Knee arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative disease that causes inflammation and damage to the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In this blog post, we will explore what knee arthritis is, its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.
What is Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and damage to the knee joint. It is a degenerative disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears down over time. When the cartilage wears down, the bones of the knee rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
What Causes Knee Arthritis?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of knee arthritis, including:
Age: As we age, the cartilage in our joints naturally begins to wear down, which can lead to knee arthritis.
Genetics: Some people may be more susceptible to knee arthritis due to their genetic makeup.
Weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on the knee joint, which can lead to wear and tear over time.
Previous injury: People who have had a previous injury to the knee, such as a torn meniscus or ligament damage, may be more likely to develop knee arthritis.
Overuse: Activities that involve repetitive motions or placing stress on the knee joint, such as running or playing sports, can lead to knee arthritis.
What are the Symptoms of Knee Arthritis?
The primary symptoms of knee arthritis include:
Pain: Knee arthritis typically causes pain that is felt deep within the joint. The pain may be mild or severe and may be worse during activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
Stiffness: The knee joint may feel stiff, making it difficult to move the knee or straighten the leg.
Swelling: Knee arthritis can cause swelling around the knee joint, making the knee feel tender to the touch.
Reduced mobility: Knee arthritis can make it difficult to perform daily activities, such as walking or bending the knee.
How is Knee Arthritis Treated?
There are several treatment options available for knee arthritis, including:
Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your lifestyle, such as losing weight or avoiding activities that place stress on the knee joint, can help to reduce the symptoms of knee arthritis.
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, which can reduce pain and improve mobility.
Deep Tissue Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is a very effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis- Check out the research here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5206453/
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help to manage pain associated with knee arthritis. Prescription medications, such as corticosteroids, can also be used to reduce inflammation and manage pain.
Injections: Injections of hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation and manage pain associated with knee arthritis.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged knee joint.
Conclusion
Knee arthritis is a common condition that can cause significant pain and reduced mobility. However, with the right treatment, most people with knee arthritis can manage their symptoms and continue to lead an active lifestyle. If you are experiencing symptoms of knee arthritis, it is important to seek expert help to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation. What we finding clinic, is that so much can be done that isn't being done for knee osteoarthritis, such as laser therapy, manual decompression and strengthening exercises.
Why pop into us for an evaluation or a chat in a Free Consultation, available to book here-
https://www.johnshevlin.ie/scheduling-page
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