Knee arthritis is a common condition that affects people of all ages, but is most common in older adults. The following describes the anatomy of the knee joint and how the different parts of the knee are affected by arthritis. Practical advice on preventing and treating knee arthritis is also included. The article by Fivalifitness concludes with a reminder to seek medical attention if symptoms of knee osteoarthritis develop to encourage early detection and effective management.
Anatomy of the Knee Joint
One of the largest and most complex joints in the body, the knee is made up of bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other structures that work together to support movement and stability. The following are the major components of the knee joint:
- Bone: Your knee joint consists of three bones: the femur (thigh bone), tibia (lower leg bone), and patella (kneecap).
- Cartilage: There are two types of cartilage in the knee joint. Articular cartilage covers the ends of the femur, tibia, and patella, allowing them to glide smoothly over each other during movement. The meniscal cartilage is located between the thigh and calf bones and acts as a shock absorber.
- Muscles: Muscles of the thigh and calf attach to the knee joint and provide the power needed for movement.
- Tendons: Tendons connect the muscles to the bones, so they can work together to move the knee joint.
- Ligaments: The four main ligaments stabilize the knee joint, connect the femur to the tibia, and help prevent excessive motion or rotation. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) cross each other within the joint, while the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) run on either side of the joint.
- Synovium: The thin layer of tissue surrounding the knee joint that produces synovial fluid that lubricates and nourishes the joint.
Types of Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis comes in several types, but the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The following is an overview of these two types:
- Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis is often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis since it occurs as a result of the destruction of the cartilage in the knee joint over time. With the cartilage wearing away, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Different from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the lining of the joints, including the knee. In time, this inflammation damages the cartilage and bones of the knee joint, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, and the condition can occur at any age.
- Other types of knee arthritis: Include juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which affects children under the age of 16; posttraumatic arthritis, which occurs after an injury to the knee; and infectious arthritis, which occurs as a result of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in the joint.
Risk Factors for Knee Arthritis
A person’s risk of developing knee arthritis can be increased by a number of risk factors, including:
- Age: As people get older, the usual wear and tear on their joints cause the cartilage to break down, increasing the risk of knee arthritis.
- Gender: Women are more prone than males to get knee arthritis.
- Obesity puts extra strain on the knees, increasing the risk of arthritis.
- Individuals who have had a knee injury, such as a meniscal tear or ligament tear, are at an increased risk of developing knee arthritis.
- Genetics: Certain genes may predispose people to knee arthritis.
- Occupational risks: Jobs requiring repetitive knee bending or squatting, such as construction or farming, can increase the risk of a knee injury.
Prevention and Treatment of Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis prevention and treatment entail a combination of lifestyle changes, medication therapies, and other measures. Here are some methods for preventing or managing knee arthritis:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra strain on the joints, increasing the risk of arthritis.
- Maintain an active lifestyle: Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint, lowering the chance of injury and boosting overall joint health.
- Change your activities: High-impact activities like running or leaping can put too much strain on your knees. Consider low-impact sports like swimming or cycling.
- Protect the knee: Wearing a knee brace when kneeling or gardening, or using a supportive knee brace during exercise, can reduce the risk of knee injury.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are available to help control the pain and inflammation associated with knee osteoarthritis. Prescription medications may also be recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Physical therapy: Working with a physical therapist can help improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles around the knee, reduce the risk of injury, and control symptoms.
- Injections: The doctor may recommend injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to help control pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: In severe cases for which conservative treatment has not worked, surgery may be recommended to replace the damaged part of the knee.
Reference
Arthritis in Knee: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Knee arthritis symptoms and treatment – Everything You Need To Know – Dr. Nabil Ebraheim
Disclaimer
The information provided in articles written by Fivali is intended for educational and reference purposes only. The content on this website ( fivalifitness.com) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We do not recommend self-diagnosis or self-treatment based on the information provided in our articles. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your health or well-being.
If you are experiencing any symptoms or discomfort, we strongly encourage you to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional. Only a licensed healthcare practitioner can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
