Knee pain may start as a result of an injury or a medical condition like osteoarthritis. The location and severity of knee pain may vary, depending on the cause of the problem. Understanding the source of your discomfort is the first step toward finding a path forward. Here is more information about this condition and its impact on knee health:
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a typical form of arthritis that affects mobility. This condition occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that permits nearly frictionless joint motion. If cartilage wears down completely, bone will rub on bone.
While osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder affects joints in your hands, neck, lower back, hips, and knees. The damage to your joints is not reversible. Symptoms may develop slowly and worsen over time. These symptoms include pain, stiffness, a loss of flexibility, and a grating sensation you might feel when you use the joint.
Does It Cause Knee Pain?
When osteoarthritis affects the knee joint, it leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness. You might notice your knee hurts more when you are active, but it gets a little better with rest. As the condition progresses, knee pain can become more constant. The wearing away of cartilage means the bones of the knee joint rub more closely against one another, which leads to discomfort.
What Is Post-traumatic Arthritis?
Post-traumatic arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that develops after an injury to the knee. A knee injury, such as a ligament tear or a bone fracture, can damage the cartilage surface. This damage can lead to the cartilage wearing out more quickly than it would otherwise.
Symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis are similar to those of general osteoarthritis. They include joint pain, swelling, and fluid buildup in the joint. You may also experience instability in the knee. These symptoms might not appear until years after the initial injury occurred. Some osteoarthritis cases are linked to a previous joint injury.
Does It Impact Knee Health?
Osteoarthritis has a significant impact on overall knee health and function. The progressive loss of cartilage may change the mechanics of the joint. This can lead to bone spurs, which are extra bits of bone that feel like hard lumps. These can form around the affected joint.
The condition also affects your ability to perform daily activities. Simple movements can become complex and painful. Over time, the muscles around the knee might weaken, and the joint becomes less stable.
This instability increases the risk of the knee giving way or buckling, which can lead to falls and further injury. Maintaining mobility becomes a primary focus for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Regular low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, may help improve joint flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, offering better support and reducing discomfort.
Get Treated for Knee Pain
Living with knee pain from osteoarthritis presents many challenges. Understanding the condition and its effects is a positive step. While joint damage cannot be reversed, there are ways to manage the symptoms and improve your joint function. If you are experiencing persistent knee pain, seeking a professional evaluation is a good course of action. A specialist can provide a diagnosis and discuss a personalized plan to help you manage your symptoms. Contact an outpatient facility today to schedule a consultation.
