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| Explore the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Techniques for Knee Arthritis |
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Arthritis, the term used to describe the inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, is generally accompanied by an increase in joint fluid, and certainly affects the lower part of your body. Knee arthritis is the specific term given to arthritis affecting the knee joints. The knee is the body’s biggest and most intricate weight-bearing joint, according to Arthritis Today. Having knee arthritis, then, can make the normal activities of walking and moving very difficult
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis, is common in the geriatric population, and affects one or more joints. Predisposing factors include aging, obesity and trauma. Bony changes such as spurring, cartilage destruction, cystic changes and joint space narrowing may also occur. Knee arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis, also referred to as OA.
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| Causes of Knee Arthritis: |
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Knee arthritis, as well as arthritis affecting other parts of your body such as the feet and hands, can be caused by a number of factors:
- Heredity: Does a close, perhaps older family member have knee arthritis? If yes, you could be at a higher risk.
- Injury and Strain: Athletes and industrial workers should especially take care to avoid injury, and go to the doctor if a joint is afflicted. Ignoring an injury can contribute to knee arthritis as well.
- Infections: Bacteria and virus infections can affect the joints, causing knee arthritis.
- Drug Use: Both prescription and illegal drugs can bring on knee arthritis.
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| Symptoms of Knee Arthritis: |
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Knee arthritis can affect the structure and function of crucial knee joints, so it’s important to take note of any symptoms and go to the doctor if necessary.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the following signs may be symptomatic of knee arthritis and arthritis in general:
- Early morning stiffness
- Swelling in one or more joints
- Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint
- Redness or heat in a joint
- Limited movement of any joint
- Skin changes, including rashes and growths
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| Relieve and Prevent Knee Arthritis: |
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The purpose of arthritis treatment is to control joint inflammation, and allow as much joint movement as possible. Knee arthritis, and arthritis in general, can be treated in many ways, but the first step is educating yourself on the signs and treatments. You’re already one step closer to finding relief, which can be achieved through:
- Physical therapy
- Exercise, especially low-impact activities such as swimming
- Anti-inflammatory creams or topical arthritis medicines such as DynaFreeze
- Medication, such as aspirin
- Over-the-counter Glucosamine & Chondroitin supplements
- Supportive footwear
- Removable insoles or other shoe orthotics
- Rocker bottom soles to facilitate walking and reduce stress on the ball of the foot
- Knee supports
In more advanced stages, surgical intervention with joint replacement or realignment may be necessary to treat disabling conditions. Joints are not supposed to hurt anywhere in the body, so if they do, visit your physician to find out what alternatives are available to alleviate knee arthritis pain.
Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health. |
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| Disclaimer for Health Content Pages |
FootSmart lower body health condition content pages describe general principles of healthcare that should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual consumers. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication or as a substitute for proper medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This healthcare content is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions – only a healthcare provider can do that.
You should discuss the information provided with a podiatrist, physician or other licensed healthcare professional, and make sure to read any product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions and contraindications before administering or using any device, support, brace, compression hosiery, shoes intended for use by diabetics, skincare product, herb, vitamin or supplement discussed on this site.
Proper treatment of lower body health conditions depends upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to, your medical history, diet, lifestyle and medications that may be taking. Your healthcare provider can best assess and address your individual healthcare needs. |
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