Knee Arthritis is a common condition that can cause pain and stiffness in the joint. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to see a physiotherapist for treatment. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of arthritis of the knee, as well as treatment options available.
Anatomy of your knee
Your knee is a hinge joint that is made up of three bones: the femur (thighbone), the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). The ends of these bones are covered with cartilage, which is a smooth, slippery tissue that allows the bones to move easily against each other.
The knee joint is held together by ligaments, which are strong bands of tissue that connect the bones. The knee also has a sac of fluid (called the bursa) that sits over the joint and helps to reduce friction.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term used to describe any condition that affects the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common type is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage starts to break down. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including age, injury, or obesity.
Symptoms of arthritis
The most common symptom of arthritis is pain. This pain can be mild or severe, and it may come and go. Other symptoms include:
- Stiffness in the joint
- Inflammation (redness and swelling)
- Warmth around the joint
- Creaking or grinding sensations when moving the joint
- reduced range of motion in the joint
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a physiotherapist for an assessment. arthritis can worsen over time, so early diagnosis and treatment is essential.
Treatment options
There are many different treatment options available for arthritis. The most important thing is to find an approach that works for you. Some common treatment options include:
- Exercise: This can help to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and delay the progression of arthritis.
- Knee bracing: Off loading knee braces can be used to reduce the pain on your knee
- Weight loss: Losing weight can reduce the amount of stress on your joints and help to ease pain.
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace a damaged joint.
If you are living with arthritis, it is important to see a physiotherapist for treatment. We can create a personalized exercise program that will help to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to book an appointment.
