18 February 2020,
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causes of arthritis in knee

Knee arthritis is a very common condition marked by symptoms such as pain, stiffness and swelling in the knee joint. There are several different types of arthritis which may affect the knee, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. Furthermore, there are a wide range of possible causes of arthritis in knee cartilage, bone and other tissues.

Common Causes of Arthritis in Knee Joint

Depending on the type of arthritis a patient is experiencing and other individual circumstances, the causes of arthritis in the knee can vary greatly. Here are a few factors which may contribute to the development of certain types of knee arthritis:

  • – AgeWhile knee osteoarthritis can develop in younger individuals, it most commonly affects patients over the age of 50. This type of arthritis is caused by wear and tear over time, and thus it is more likely to have its onset later in life.
  • – Excess weight – Being overweight can also increase one’s chance of developing knee osteoarthritis. Excess body weight means more stress is placed on the knee joint, which can speed up the wearing down of knee cartilage.
  • – Injury – Knee injuries such as meniscus tears may cause lasting damage to the joint, potentially leading to post-traumatic arthritis later down the line. This is why it is important to seek prompt, professional treatment for knee injuries.
  • – Genetics – While the exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis remain unknown, medical professionals have determined that family history may contribute to the development of this autoimmune disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis may cause softening of the knee bones, plus swelling in the joint.

 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all possible causes of arthritis in knee tissue – it is simply an introduction to what might bring about this common knee condition.

A Few Possible Treatments for Knee Arthritis

If you are experiencing ongoing knee discomfort, knee arthritis may be to blame. Depending on the type and severity, there are a number of treatments your orthopedic doctor might suggest. A few examples include:

  • – Wearing a knee brace
  • – Performing physical therapy exercises
  • – Taking anti-inflammatory medications
  • – Losing weight, if applicable
  • – Getting injections of hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids

 

If these first-line measures do not offer relief for your knee symptoms, your physician might suggest considering arthroscopic knee surgery, or a partial or total knee replacement.

See Dr. Soffer for World-Class Knee Care

Tired of living with knee pain that interferes with your life? Dr. Stephen Soffer is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of knee arthritis and other knee conditions. Offering all of the latest and most effective knee treatments – both surgical and non-surgical – Dr. Soffer is committed to helping his patients feel better.

If you are seeking top-notch knee care in the Reading, PA area, call our office at 610-375-4949 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer. We look forward to helping you resolve your knee issues so that you can resume a full and fulfilling life.


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