Knee Arthritis

What is knee arthritis?

Knee arthritis is a condition where the cartilage in the knee joint deteriorates, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility. The knee joint is a complex structure, with the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and kneecap (patella) working together. Cartilage, which is a smooth, flexible tissue that covers the ends of these bones, helps them move smoothly and absorb shock.

When arthritis affects the knee, it leads to the breakdown of this cartilage, causing the bones to rub against each other, which can result in pain and inflammation. The condition is often progressive, meaning it can worsen over time.

Types of knee arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis (OA):

This is the most common type of knee arthritis and is often associated with aging, wear and tear, or previous injuries. The cartilage breaks down gradually over time, leading to pain and stiffness.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

An autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the synovial lining of the joint, leading to inflammation and damage to the cartilage and bones in the knee.

3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis:

This type of arthritis develops after a knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear. Even if the injury heals, it can lead to the development of arthritis in the affected joint years later.

4. Gout or Pseudogout:

These types of arthritis are caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals (gout) or calcium crystals (pseudogout) in the knee joint, leading to inflammation and pain.

Risk factors for knee arthritis

  • Age: The risk of developing knee arthritis increases with age, especially after 50.

  • Injury History: Previous knee injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis.

  • Obesity: Extra weight places additional stress on the knee joints, especially the knee cartilage, which can speed up the breakdown process.

  • Genetics: Family history can increase the risk of developing knee arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.

  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis, especially after menopause.

  • Occupation: Jobs or activities that require frequent kneeling, squatting, or heavy lifting can increase the risk of developing knee arthritis.

What are the symptoms of knee arthritis?

  • Pain: The most common symptom, which can range from mild to severe. Pain tends to worsen with activity, prolonged standing, or after sitting for a long time.

  • Stiffness: You may experience difficulty bending or straightening the knee, especially in the morning or after sitting.

  • Swelling: Inflammation in the knee joint can lead to visible swelling, making the knee feel "puffy" or tight.

  • Decreased Range of Motion: As the disease progresses, it may become harder to fully bend or straighten the knee.

  • Grinding Sensation: You may feel or hear a grinding or popping sensation when moving the knee, caused by the rough surfaces of bones rubbing against each other.

  • Instability: The knee may feel weak or unstable, as the cartilage loss affects the joint’s ability to properly support your weight.

How do you treat knee arthritis?

Treatment for knee arthritis focuses on relieving pain, improving joint function, and slowing the progression of the disease. Some common treatments include:

  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., paracetamol, NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.

  • Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint and improving flexibility can help reduce strain on the knee and improve mobility.

  • Lifestyle Changes: Weight management can reduce stress on the knee joint, while low-impact exercises (e.g., swimming, cycling) can help maintain joint health.

  • Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain. Viscosupplementation injections, such as Hyaluronic acid injections can lubricate the joint, reducing friction and pain. PRP injections aim to reduce reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.

  • Surgery: When other treatments don’t provide relief, surgical options may be considered. This could include knee arthroscopy to remove damaged tissue or knee replacement surgery to replace the damaged joint with an artificial one.

    • Knee arthroscopy

    • Osteotomy – re-alignment surgery to ‘off-load’ the arthritic joint area

    • Replacement surgery – partial or total knee replacement surgery

Knee arthritis can affect daily activities, but with the right treatments and lifestyle adjustments, many people can manage the condition and maintain a good quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider team to discuss the best treatment plan for you. Dr Collins would be pleased to be apart of your team to help improve your quality of life.

Kade specialises in knee joint preservation surgery (arthroscopic and osteotomy) and knee replacement surgery, including robotic assisted surgery partial and total knee replacement.

Orthopaedic Surgeon Melbourne

Utilising the latest techniques and technology Kade aims to return you to your best as soon as possible with optimised recovery via a multi-disciplinary and multi-modal approach.