Early Signs Of Knee Arthritis

How To Cope With Early

In addition to the above treatment options, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can help manage your osteoarthritis by decreasing inflammation throughout your body and promoting a healthy environment for healing.

Tips for a healthy lifestyle include:

• Prioritizing getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night to promote healing

What Are The Treatment Options For Osteoarthritis

It is important to note that there is no medicinal cure for osteoarthritis. Treatment for osteoarthritis addresses the symptoms such as pain and limited movement. If you are experiencing the early warning signs of osteoarthritis, you may be able to follow a non-surgical treatment path. Non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication

What Causes Arthritis Of The Knee

Experts have identified some genes that might cause arthritis, including arthritis of the knee. They predict that there are more genes not yet discovered. You could have a gene linked to arthritis without knowing it and a virus or injury could trigger arthritis of the knee.

Though the cause is unknown, some risk factors increase the possibility of arthritis of the knee. Risk factors of osteoarthritis, specifically, include:

• Age. Osteoarthritis happens to older adults more often than younger adults and children.
• Bone anomalies. Youre at a higher risk for osteoarthritis if your bones or joints are naturally crooked.
• Gout. Gout, also a type of inflammatory arthritis, might lead to osteoarthritis.
• Injuries. Knee injuries can cause arthritis of the knee.
• Stress. A lot of stress on your knees from jogging, playing sports or working an active job can lead to osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Weight. Extra weight puts more pressure on your knees.

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Gradual Increase In Pain

Arthritis pain usually starts slowly, although it can appear suddenly in some cases.

At first, you may notice pain in the morning or after youve been inactive for a while.

Your knees may hurt when you:

• climb stairs
• stand up from a sitting position
• walk on a flat surface
• sit down for a while

Knee pain that wakes you up from sleep can be a symptom of OA.

For people with RA, the symptoms often start in the smaller joints. They are also more likely to be symmetrical, affecting both sides of the body. The joint may be warm and red.

With OA, symptoms may progress rapidly or they may develop over several years, depending on the individual. Symptoms can worsen and then remain stable for a long time, and they can vary day to day.

Factors that may cause worsening of symptoms include:

• cold weather
• stress
• excessive activity

With RA, symptoms usually appear over several weeks, but they can develop or worsen in a few days. A flare can happen when disease activity increases. Triggers vary and can include changes in medication.

Initial Ra Signs: What Are The First Signs Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Jump to:RA StatisticsRA CausesSigns and SymptomsLiving with RA

You just hit your early 30s. You notice that it is harder to get up every morning than it was even five years ago. Theres a general feeling of stiffness over your entire body that you can never quite escape. You initially wrote it off as just an unfortunate part of the aging process , but now youre starting to think there may be something more serious going on.

Youve also started losing weight, but not because you are dieting nor exercising. You originally thought it was because of you have no appetite or real interest in food, but even when you DO eat it seems to have no effect on your weight. All of this has contributed to a sense of depression something that youve never had to deal with previously. Unfortunately, there IS something serious going on. These are just a few of the major early signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis .

RA is a long-term autoimmune disorder that typically affects a persons joints. What usually begins as a warm feeling or swollen hands can quickly turn into pain that just wont go away. Internally, the disease can also manifest itself as a low red blood cell count, inflammation of the lungs or even inflammation of the heart.

A crucial part of seeking appropriate medical treatment as quickly as possible involves knowing what to look for and what to be concerned about. Most importantly, it is essential to know when things are getting serious.

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How Is Osteoarthritis Managed

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but most people with osteoarthritis can manage their symptoms, continue with daily activities and live healthy and enjoyable lives. Be careful of any products or treatments that claim to cure osteoarthritis completely your doctor will help to find the right treatment for you.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has developed a guide to help you discuss the main treatment options for osteoarthritis of the knee with your doctor.

How Is Oa Treated

There is no cure for OA, so doctors usually treat OA symptoms with a combination of therapies, which may include the following:

• Increasing physical activity
• Medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription drugs
• Supportive devices such as crutches or canes
• Surgery

In addition to these treatments, people can gain confidence in managing their OA with self-management strategies. These strategies help reduce pain and disability so people with osteoarthritis can pursue the activities that are important to them. These five simple and effective arthritis management strategies can help.

Physical Activity for Arthritis

Some people are concerned that physical activity will make their arthritis worse, but joint-friendly physical activity can actually improve arthritis pain, function, and quality of life.

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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is much more complicated than osteoarthritis. RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that cause damage and inflammation to joint tissue.

This tissue damage can often be long-lasting and difficult to treat, resulting in chronic pain, stiffness and swelling.

In most cases, the damage can lead to deformity at the joints and cause debilitating pain.

Reducing The Strain On Your Knees

Apart from keeping an eye on your weight, there are a number of other ways you can reduce the strain on your knees.

• Pace your activities dont tackle all your physical jobs at once. Break the harder jobs up into chunks and do something gentler in between. Keep using your knee even if its slightly uncomfortable, but rest it before it becomes too painful.
• Wear shoes with thick soles and enough room for your toes. Wearing the right shoes can reduce the shock through your knees as you walk and prevent any changes to your feet.
• If you need extra support for your feet or knees when you walk, speak to your physiotherapist, occupational therapist or doctor about getting insoles made for your shoes.
• Use a walking stick if needed to reduce the weight and stress on a painful knee. An occupational therapist can advise on the correct length and the best way to use the stick.
• Use a handrail for support when going up or down stairs. Go upstairs one at a time with your good leg first.
• Think about making changes to your home, car or workplace to reduce unnecessary strain. An occupational therapist can advise you on special equipment that will make things you do every day easier.

Using a heat pack or something similar on a painful knee might help to relieve the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. An ice pack can also help but be careful not to put ice or heat packs or hot water bottles directly on your skin wrap them with a tea towel or cover.

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What Causes Arthritis In The Knee

All kinds of arthritis are characterized by wear and tear of the cartilage followed by a reduction in the joint space.

Three types of arthritis affect the knee mainly:

• Osteoarthritis : This type of arthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease, primary OA, wear-and-tear arthritis, or age-related arthritis. It is a leading cause of disability in the United States and worldwide. Though more common in older people, it can affect young people, including children as well.
• Rheumatoid arthritis : This is an autoimmune and chronic kind of arthritis that affects multiple joints in the body. Autoimmune means the body attacks its own healthy cells. Over time, the inflammation causes degeneration of cartilage along with the softening of the bone.
• Posttraumatic arthritis: This kind of arthritis is preceded by a traumatic event that impacts the knee joint. The injury damages the knee and arthritis develops after a few to several years in the knee joint.

Factors that increase your risk for developing osteoarthritis include:

• Old age
• Overweight or obesity
• A family history of arthritis
• Aggressive workouts/sports

Do: Wear Comfortable Knee Joint

There are a fair number of studies that suggest shoe choice matters if you have knee osteoarthritis, Pisetsky says. In fact, flat, flexible shoes that mimic the foots natural mobility can decrease the force placed upon the knee during daily activities, according to a study published in the May 2013 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatology.

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Etiology And Risk Factors Of Knee Oa

OA has a multifactorial etiologies, which occurs due to interplay between systemic and local factors. Osteoarthritis affects all ages. The etiology of this debilitating disease in which several responsible genes are linked for its occurance. Sports participation, injury to the joint, obesity, and genetic susceptibility predispose adolescent athletes to the development of premature osteoarthritis. Previous knee trauma increases the risk of knee OA 3.86 times . Old age, female gender, overweight and obesity, knee injury, repetitive use of joints, bone density, muscle weakness, and joint laxity all play roles in the development of joint OA Determination of risk factors particularly in the weight-bearing joints and their modification may reduce the risk of OA and prevent subsequent pain and disability . Mechanical forces exerted on the joints are a significant cause of OA and one of the most modifiable risk factors as determined by body BMI. Female sex, lower educational levels, obesity, and poor muscular strength are associated with symptomatic disease and subsequent disability .

In a review of literature 14 contributing variables including occupational and personal were considered as risk factors. Two factors of kneeling and squatting are considered the main primary risk factors in correlation with knee disorders .

What Are The Stages Of Arthritis Of The Knee

There are five stages of osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis that affects your knees:

• Stage 0 . If youre at stage 0, your knees are healthy. You dont have arthritis of the knee.
• Stage 1 . Stage 1 means that youve got some wear and tear in your knee joint. You probably wont notice pain.
• Stage 2 . The mild stage is when you might start to feel pain and stiffness, but theres still enough cartilage to keep the bones from actually touching.
• Stage 3 . If youre at the moderate stage, youll have more pain, especially when running, walking, squatting, and kneeling. Youll likely notice it after long periods of rest . You’re probably in a great deal of pain because the cartilage has narrowed even further and there are many bone spurs.
• Stage 4 . Severe osteoarthritis means that the cartilage is almost gone. Your knee is stiff, painful and possibly immobile. You might need surgery.

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A Closer Look At Your Knee

Your knee is a powerful hinge joint designed to perform a wide variety of tasks. Some of the most important jobs your knee does on a daily basis include:

• Supporting your body weight without the need for muscles
• Allowing for twisting of your leg
• Providing stability
• Propelling your body forward
• Making walking easy

To carry out these tasks, your knee relies on a complex network of bones, tendons, and ligaments working together with lubricating and cushioning substances, such as joint capsules, bursae, and cartilage.

With so much responsibility and so many structures coming together at one point, its easy to understand why its so vulnerable to injury and disease. Athletes have seen professional careers ended with a ligament tear, and some have had to hang up their running shoes thanks to overuse injuries.

Many others see their daily lives changed as a result of the leading cause of knee pain: arthritis.

How Is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed

Your doctor may use some of the following diagnostic tests and procedures to determine if you have knee arthritis:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Blood tests for genetic markers or RA antibodies
• X-rays to determine cartilage loss in the knee
• Joint aspiration: drawing out and testing the synovial fluid inside the knee joint

Cartilage cannot be seen on X-ray, but narrowing of the joint space between the bones indicates lost cartilage. X-rays show bone spurs and cysts, which can be caused by osteoarthritis. Other tests such as MRI or CT scans are rarely needed for diagnosis.

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Limited Range Of Motion

Knee arthritis sometimes limits a persons range of motion so greatly that they need a cane or a walker to help them get around.

OA has such a significant effect on the bone and cartilage in the knee that it takes great effort to move your knee joints smoothly. Just walking or standing up can become difficult.

The pain and swelling associated with RA can also greatly affect someones ability to stand and walk.

Special Devices And Footwear

Walking sticks can help to reduce the load on your knees and reduce pain when moving about. Other ways to improve symptoms of osteoarthritis include taping the joint, wearing braces, or using shoe insoles that improve your body alignment when standing and walking. Check with your physiotherapist for advice about using aids or supports.

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Early Signs Of Arthritis In The Knee

Arthritis refers to the redness and swelling of the joints. It usually develops slowly over 10 to 15 years, interfering with daily life activities. Knowing the early signs of arthritis can help you take appropriate treatment and incorporate modifications in your diet and lifestyle.

The knee joint is the largest and the most complex joint in the body. Depending on the cause, the early signs and symptoms of arthritis in the knee joint may vary amongst individuals. Typically, these include:

• Pain while climbing stairs or walking
• Joint stiffness after sitting for prolonged periods with bended knees
• Difficulty in straightening the knee after getting up in the morning
• Swelling over the knees that gets worse on walking
• Bones in the knee joint rub against each other giving rise to the sound of creaking, clicking or snapping, or grinding
• Many people with arthritis experience increased joint pain during rainy weather

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Mainstream healthcare is still not able to reverse nor cure any form of arthritis, but can only prescribe medications and painkillers to relieve pain.

While the painkillers do offer relief, they are only good while they last. The inflammation and the damage are still there and the conditions dont just heal by themselves.

We have seen many cases of arthritis going from bad to worse with cortisone shots or surgeries. Although in some cases of surgeries, things might improve, they are not without risks.

Although arthritic conditions can be reversed using traditional and alternative methods, they are difficult and often challenging. The best advice is often that prevention is better than cure.

In order to prevent, you need to notice early warning signs that your body is telling you, and take heed.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis In The Knee

Pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis in the knee. Your knee might hurt when you move it, or even when you are just sitting still. Other symptoms are:

• Your knee feels stiff, particularly when you first get up or when youve been sitting for a long time.
• Your knee looks swollen or feels puffy.
• You hear a cracking or grinding noise when you move your knee.
• Your knee feels wobbly, as if it could buckle or give out.”
• Your knee might lock up, or feel as if it is stuck.

Where Can Arthritis Occur In The Knee

Cartilage loss can occur between the thighbone and the shinbone in the medial portion , lateral portion and under the kneecap.

• Thinning of the cartilage under the kneecap is called patellofemoral arthritis .
• Some patients have cartilage loss in one, two or all of these areas. When all three areas are affected, this is called tricompartmental arthritis.

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What Kinds Of Arthritis Can Occur In The Knee

In the case of knee pain, one of the most common culprits is arthritis. There are three types of arthritis that can occur in the knee, and it is not unheard for patients to have multiple arthritic conditions present at the same time. The three kinds of arthritis that often develop in the knees include:

• Osteoarthritis : A slow-acting, progressive wear-and-tear process that deteriorates joint cartilage. Middle-aged and older patients are the most likely group to develop OA.

• Rheumatoid arthritis : RA can occur at any age. This inflammatory process can be marked by painful swelling in the joints.

• Post-traumatic arthritis: Patients who have a significant knee injury, such as a fracture, torn ligament, or torn meniscus, may develop post-traumatic arthritis. This can occur many years after the injury itself.