Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Arthritis of the knee is most often osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease where
cartilage in the joint gradually wears away. In rheumatoid arthritis, which can also
affect the knees, the joint becomes inflamed and cartilage may be destroyed. Arthritis not
only affects joints, it may also affect supporting structures such as muscles, tendons,
and ligaments.
Osteoarthritis may be caused by excess stress on the joint, such as from repeated
injury, deformity, or if a person is overweight. It most often affects middle-aged and
older people. A young person who develops osteoarthritis may have an inherited form of the
disease or may have experienced continuous irritation from an unrepaired torn meniscus or
other injury. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects people at an earlier age than
osteoarthritis.
Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the knee
A person who has arthritis of the knee may experience pain, swelling, and a decrease in
knee motion. A common symptom is morning stiffness that lessens after moving around.
Sometimes the knee joint locks or clicks when the knee is bent and straightened, but these
signs may also occur in other knee disorders. The doctor may confirm the diagnosis by
performing a physical examination and taking x rays, which typically show a loss of joint
space. Blood tests may be helpful for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, but other tests may
be needed as well. Analysis of fluid from the knee joint may be helpful in diagnosing some
kinds of arthritis. The doctor may use arthroscopy to directly visualize damage to
cartilage, tendons, and ligaments and to confirm a diagnosis, but arthroscopy is usually
done only if a repair procedure is to be performed.
Osteoarthritis treatment
Most often osteoarthritis of the knee is treated with analgesics (pain-reducing
medicines), such as aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, Advil); and exercises to restore joint
movement and strengthen the knee. Losing excess weight can also help people with
osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee may require a treatment plan that
includes physical therapy and use of more powerful medications. In people with arthritis
of the knee, a seriously damaged joint may need to be surgically replaced with an
artificial one. (Note: A new procedure designed to stimulate the growth of cartilage using
a patient's own cartilage cells is being used experimentally to repair cartilage injuries
at the end of the femur at the knee. It is not a treatment for arthritis.)
Information provided by the
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Article Created: 1999-05-06
Article Updated: 1999-05-07 |
