Knee pain can range from mild discomfort to a severe, life-altering condition. Simple activities like walking or climbing stairs can become painful and exhausting. If knee pain is persistent, arthritis could be the underlying cause. This condition is widespread, particularly among older individuals, though it can affect younger people as well.
Types of Knee Arthritis
There are different forms of knee arthritis, each with distinct causes and effects:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): The most prevalent type, caused by the gradual wear and tear of the knee joint. It typically develops in individuals over 50, though younger people can also be affected. As cartilage deteriorates, the joint surfaces become rough, leading to painful bone-on-bone contact.
- Rheumatoid and Inflammatory Arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks joint tissues. This condition often affects both knees symmetrically, causing inflammation, stiffness, and swelling of the synovial membrane.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This type develops following a previous knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament damage. It may take years to manifest and occurs when joint surface damage leads to painful friction and degeneration.
Stages of Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis progresses in three main stages, each with increasing severity:
- Early Stage: Mild symptoms, including occasional discomfort and minor muscle loss. Cartilage loss is about 10%, and pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter medications like Panadol.
- Moderate Stage: Frequent pain and stiffness, often accompanied by the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes). Cartilage gaps widen, leading to more friction between bones.
- Severe Stage: Significant cartilage loss results in exposed bone surfaces, extreme pain, and limited mobility. The joint space is dramatically reduced, and intervention becomes necessary.
Treatment Approaches
Effective treatments exist for every stage of knee arthritis. Non-surgical options include pain management, lifestyle adjustments, activity modifications, injections, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Knee surgery can be transformative, restoring mobility and improving quality of life for many patients.
If knee arthritis is affecting daily life, seeking medical advice is crucial. Dr. Prashanth Pandian, an expert orthopaedic surgeon in Chennai offers expert guidance on both surgical and non-surgical treatment plans, tailoring solutions to individual needs for optimal pain relief and mobility.
