Treatments for Knee Arthritis

Arthritis is something typically associated with old age but it can happen regardless of age. Younger people, particularly those who participate in sports and are very physically active can experience knee arthritis as well.

What is this form of arthritis?

Arthritis, no matter which joint it is affecting is general wear and tear of the cartilage in a joint. The cartilage in every joint in your body functions as a natural cushioning for your joint. This questioning is very flexible and helps to absorb shock and moves around the joints to protect it whenever necessary. But this cartilage can be worn away with time causing arthritis. When the cartilage wears away the bone start to rub against each other because they no longer have the cartilage in between to stop this and absorb shock. If this happens the result is stiffness, swelling, pain, and decreased movement in your joint. In some of the worst cases a bone spur can form after the bones continually rub against each other.

This is a common form of arthritis that can take place at almost any age. Those who play sports regularly are at a higher chance of wearing down the cartilage but people who reach 45 years of age increase their risk as well. Today there are 27 million cases of knee arthritis across the United States. The knee is actually the most common joint in which this type of arthritis is experienced. Women are actually at a higher chance of suffering from the arthritis compared to men because of the way their muscles function and their pelvic region is shaped.

What are the common causes?

The most common cause is age. Almost every person develops some degree of arthritis in her knees as they age because they have simply worn down the cartilage with regular daily function. But there are other risk factors which can increase the development of this form of arthritis at an early age. When you aid the cartilage begins to stop healing itself. When you are younger the cartilage will naturally heal itself if damaged but this eventually goes away. Once it stops healing the amount of cartilage you have in total decreases. If you are overweight or incredibly active it places extra pressure on these joints. Genetics are another cause. There are certain genetic mutations which leaves a patient with a higher propensity for developing this form of arthritis. People who have an abnormality in the shape of their bones might face this problem as well. Gender is another cause. Repetitive stress injuries can increase risk to. Things such as lifting heavyweights that are more than 55 pounds will increase your risk of developing arthritis because the constant weight places constant pressure on your joints and depletes your cartilage. Kneeling and squatting regularly will also increase your chances of developing arthritis in the knees.

Athletes who run a significant distance or are involved in games such as tennis or soccer place themselves at a higher risk for developing this form of arthritis.

Patients experiencing knee arthritis should meet with a knee specialist in Los Angeles. A knee specialist or orthopedic surgeon can help determine the best treatment options for your knee arthritis. To learn more about treatment options, visit a Knee Surgeon Los Angeles today.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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