Do you suspect that you or a loved one has knee arthritis? Within this article, you can find common arthritis symptoms, such as joint pain. Joint pain should never be ignored. However, before we dive into the seven signs of knee arthritis. It’s important to first understand the three main types.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type. It’s more likely to occur after middle age. OA is a progressive condition that wears out the joint cartilage. The second type is Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which can occur at any age bracket. Lastly, we have post-traumatic arthritis which typically occurs after a knee injury.
If you are showing signs or symptoms of any type of arthritis, it’s important to consult a physician for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.
7 signs of knee arthritis
1. Gradual Increase in Pain
In most cases, arthritis in the knee usually develops gradually. For instance, you could notice some mild pain after taking a long nap or remaining inactive for a while. You could also feel pain when kneeling or climbing stairs. However, when you notice knee pain, which wakes you up from sleep that could be a sign of OA.
2. Knee Inflammation or Swelling
When you experience knee inflammation that doesn’t appear to be responding to anti-inflammatory drugs, you should see a doctor. Swelling could also occur, especially after extended periods of inactivity.
3. Weakness in the Knees
Another symptom of arthritis is the weakening of the knee muscle, which leads to buckling and locking. That is, you may find it difficult to straighten or bend your leg.
4. Cracking Sounds
When the joint cartilage wears out, when moving, you might hear cracking or popping sounds. You may also notice a grinding sensation. This noise is usually due to the friction caused by rubbing of bone spurs against each other.
5. Restricted Movement
In some cases, arthritis can restrict movement. When the cartilage wears out, one might find it a bit challenging to climb stairs or play certain sports.
6. Loss of Joint Space
This is a symptom that can be accurately observed via an X-ray. This loss of joint space occurs when the cartilage is worn away, and thus in the body’s attempt to repair itself, bone spurs are developed on the edges of these joints.
7. Change in The Knee’s Appearance
Knee deformities are also a clear sign of arthritis. It’s because as the condition develops, the muscles in the knees thin and therefore you might observe a sunken appearance. Your knees could either face outwards or inwards.
How to Treat Arthritis in the Knee?
There are a variety of treatment plans for knee arthritis. We, however, highly recommend that you consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. It’s common for your physical to recommend first taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This medication can help ease knee inflammation and pain. He/she might also prescribe modifying antirheumatic medication, which is ideal for RA and corticosteroids for the inflammation.
There are some home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help you beat arthritis of the knee. They include water aerobics, losing weight and taking natural supplements such as turmeric or capsaicin.
If you notice any of these seven symptoms of arthritis, see a doctor as soon as possible. Arthritis in the knee is a treatable and manageable condition. There are several types of treatments and therapies that can help ease the pain and allow you to move without difficulty.
A Preferred Knee Arthritis Specialist
For a preferred knee arthritis specialist in South Florida call 888-409-8006. Offices conveniently located in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs & Plantation.
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