Knee Arthritis

Arthritis of the knee is one of the most common and debilitating forms of arthritis. The knee joints are some of the most hard-worked joints in the whole body, and good functioning of the knee is essential for mobility.

As with other types of arthritis, knee arthritis develops with age, often starting as a dull ache and progressing to acute pain and total loss of mobility. There is also a genetic association with arthritis of the knee, making it more likely that a son will develop the condition if his father or mother has had it.

Knee arthritis may be brought upon by old sports injuries or by occupational or lifestyle stress on the knees. It can also happen in people who have had no real history of knee problems.

Patients suffering from knee arthritis can gain some relief from anti-inflammatory injections into the knee socket. Steroids such as cortisone are the most commonly injected drugs for knee arthritis.

Patients should also consider other medications including analgesics to help dull the pain. As the knee is a major weight-bearing joint, weight loss can bring substantial relief to patients who are carrying above the recommended body mass.

And as with all types of arthritis, a good diet and carefully designed exercise regime, including regular low-impact activity such as swimming, will help to sustain normal function. In the worst cases, some patients may require surgery to replace part or all of the cartilage of the knee.

The outlook for people after they have had knee surgery for arthritis is good, with most people being able to live a much more comfortable and mobile life.