Arthritis is inflammation of your joints. The primary indications of arthritis are pain, swelling, and stiffness. Any joint in the body may be affected but it is commonly in the knee.
It is hard to do things everyday such as walking or bending your knees if you have that knee arthritis. It can cause loss of work time and disability for some.
Causes of Knee Arthritis
Age is the most common factor that causes knee arthritis. Several factors may increase the risk of developing arthritis at an early age.
- Weight. It adds pressure on joints, especially the knees.
- Gender. Women at the age of 55 and older are more likely than men to cultivate arthritis of the knee.
- Athletics. Athletes may be at higher risk for developing arthritis of the knee who involves playing soccer, tennis and running. Regular moderate exercise reinforces joints and can decrease the risks.
- Heredity. Genetic mutations can make a person more likely to develop arthritis of the knee.
What are the different symptoms of knee arthritis?
- Pain that rises when you are active.
- swelling
- sensation of warmth in the joint
- painfulness in the knee, especially in the morning or when you have been sitting for a while
- Reduction in mobility of the knee, making it hard to get in and out of cars and using of the stairs.
- Creaking and snap sound that is noted when the knee moves
How to treat Knee arthritis?
Even if there is no remedy for arthritis, there are many treatment selections available to help manage pain and keep people staying active.
Relieving pain and to return mobility is the main goal why we need to treat arthritis of the knee. Treatment will basically include a combination of the following:
- Weight Loss. Losing a small amount of weight can possibly reduce knee pain.
- Regular exercise. Stretching help keep flexibility of the knee joints.
- Pain Relievers and Anti-inflammatory drugs. Acetaminophen, naproxen and ibuprofen are some of the medications that can be bought over-the-counter that can relief pain. Sometime your doctor may recommend you these medicines to ease the pain on the knees.
- Alternative therapies. Some may be effective that includes topical creams with acupuncture or supplements.
Use the “RICE” method. Rest, ice, compression and elevation caused by arthritis are good for knee pain. Give your knees some rest and apply ice to the specific are to reduce swelling. Put on compressive bandage and keep your knee elevated.