It is a condition in which the cartilage in the knee joint wears away and thins. This can cause pain, swelling and limited movement in the joint. Knee arthritis, It usually develops as a result of aging, overuse or injury. Cartilage loss causes bones to rub together, which increases inflammation and pain. If left untreated, it can negatively impact quality of life.
What are the symptoms of knee arthritis?
The most obvious symptom is pain in the knee that increases with movement. Pain may be felt when walking or climbing stairs. A feeling of stiffness may occur in the knee, especially after sitting or resting for a long time. This is due to the decreased range of motion in the joint. Swelling may occur due to fluid accumulation in the knee joint. Swelling indicates inflammation and wear in the joint. Cartilage loss in the knee prevents the joint from moving properly.
It may be difficult for the legs to straighten or bend completely. In an calcified knee, clicking sounds may be heard when walking or moving due to friction in the joint. The person may not be able to do their normal activities due to pain in the knee. This may lead to weakening of the surrounding muscles. Knee arthritis It can progress over time, so early diagnosis and treatment are important.
What Causes Knee Arthritis?
As we age, the cartilage structure in the joint weakens and wear begins. This leads to arthritis. It runs in the family. knee arthritis Individuals with a history of this disease are at higher risk of developing it. Excess body weight puts more pressure on the knee joint and can cause the cartilage to wear down over time. A previous fracture or sprain in the knee can damage the cartilage in the joint and lead to calcification.
Constantly lifting heavy loads or doing excessive physical activity puts excessive stress on the knee joint and can cause arthritis. It can also lead to the development of inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Knee arthritis, manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, swelling and limited movement in the joint over time. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important.
How is Knee Arthritis Treated?
It usually occurs with severe pain. Painkillers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain. Medications such as acetaminophen may be preferred for mild pain. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles and reduces the load on the knee joint. In addition, various exercises may be recommended to increase mobility and control pain. Injecting corticosteroids into the knee joint reduces inflammation. It helps relieve pain in the short term. However, this treatment does not provide a long-term solution. Hyaluronic acid injections into the knee joint reduce friction in the knee by replenishing joint fluid.
It can make movement more comfortable. In cases where arthritis has not progressed, damaged tissues in the knee joint can be cleaned with arthroscopic surgery. Severe knee arthritis In some cases, knee replacement surgery may be performed. In this surgical procedure, an artificial knee joint is placed in place of the damaged knee joint. Excess weight puts excessive stress on the knee joint. Weight loss may relieve symptoms. Low-impact exercises (such as swimming and walking) can increase knee mobility and strengthen muscles. The treatment process should be planned individually, depending on the patient's age, degree of arthritis and general health.
