What Is Arthritis Knee Pain?

Arthritis is the general term for joint inflammation. Arthritis usually causes pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of motion and reduction in activity level when it occurs in the knee. Treatment depends on the type of arthritis each person presents with.

What Causes Arthritis Knee Pain?

Arthritis can be the result of many disease processes in the knee, which include:

• Osteoarthritis (degenerative cartilage wear-down condition)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory cartilage destructive disease)
• Psoriatic arthritis (inflammatory cartilage destructive disease)
• Gout (crystalline deposit disease from uric acid levels that are elevated)
• Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, Lyme Disease)

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Knee Arthritis?

• Pain in the knee that a person can point to on one side of the knee or the other, or just under the kneecap. (This can be an indication to be a candidate for partial knee replacement)
• Pain that is located all around the knee, not on just one side or under the kneecap alone. (This can be an indication to be a candidate for total knee replacement)
• Pain in the knee when walking
• Pain getting up from a seated position
• Pain going up and/or downstairs
• Dull or aching pain
• Stiffness in the knee
• Swelling of the knee joint
• Loss of motion in the knee
• Decreased walk distance
• Limping
• Reduction in activities of daily living
• Reduction in sports and exercise activities

What Are The Possible Treatments For Arthritis Knee Pain?

Knee pain from arthritis has many treatment options, including non-surgical and surgical options. It is best to begin with the least invasive lowest risk options that give the greatest pain relief and improvement of function. When the less risky and less invasive options no longer provide relief, then more advanced treatment options are considered.

Can You Leave Arthritis In The Knee Untreated?

Yes, you can leave knee pain from arthritis untreated. However, you will continue to suffer from pain and your quality of life will decline. Managing your quality of life, reducing pain, and increasing function is what treating knee arthritis is all about.

There are non-surgical and surgical ways to treat knee osteoarthritis. So, I believe you should diagnose the problem and discuss the treatment options available. There are many great ways to improve your quality of life from knee arthritis that will get you back to an active lifestyle. Dr. Buechel offers world class surgical and non-surgical knee care. To schedule a knee consultation with Dr. Buechel, you can call us directly at 212-308-3089 or email us at info@RoboticJointCenter.com to arrange for a consultation.