Arthritis refers to inflammation, pain, swelling, or stiffness in a joint. Most frequently caused by wear and tear of the cartilage surfaces of the bones, knee arthritis tends to progress. The knee experiences 3-5 times body weight which can accelerate such wear patterns. Commonly, knee deformities ensue causing the legs to become either bowed or knock-kneed. These deformities alter leg weight bearing distribution and can also contribute to the progression of arthritis.

The knee joint provides motion in the lower leg to perform activities such as walking, climbing, pivoting, and bending. This flexibility inflicts many forces and stresses across the knee joint. The ability to maintain these functions requires the knee to be comprised of numerous tissue types:

Muscles/tendons

These components of the knee work in conjunction to provide smooth, painless, and stable knee motion for everyday activities. However, injury to any of these parts of the knee can lead to pain.

Acute knee pain begins after an identifiable cause or is of recent onset. The most common acute knee injury types are:

• Fracture (bones)
• Musculotendinous strains (muscles/tendons)
• Sprains/dislocations (ligaments)
• Meniscal or osteochondral injuries (cartilage)
• Contusions (soft tissue or bone)

Acute knee pain is most commonly treated nonoperatively with rest, ice, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Pain which does not resolve is considered chronic pain. While there are multiple possible causes of chronic pain, osteoarthritis, or the wear and tear of cartilage, is the most common cause. Evaluation by a physician with radiographic studies is the most reliable method of diagnosing arthritis.

As the cartilage is lost at the ends of the bones, the underlying bone is exposed. Motion in the joint now causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes catching or locking. Prior trauma or inflammatory arthritides can also damage cartilage, and the end result is similar. As the condition progresses, daily activities become more difficult to complete and lifestyles are limited.

Because the arthritic process cannot be reversed, eventually knee joint replacement options may be necessary.

⇒ Read about patient's experiences after joint replacement at Sah Orthopaedic Associates in Testimonials, or see Patient's Stories after surgery to learn more. ⇐