Knee Arthritis
Knee Arthritis
If you are experiencing mild to severe pain in your knee associated with stiffness or swelling, arthritis might just be the cause. It is important to contact a physical therapist immediately. Commencing treatment early eliminates the need for pain killers and surgery later on. Physical therapy helps to relieve pain, strengthen the knee joint, and provide motion and flexibility, so you can get back to your normal activities in a short time.
Know Your Knee
The knee is the largest joint in the body. It’s made up of the lower end of the thighbone (femur), the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). The surface of these 3 bones is covered with articular cartilage that helps the bones move easily, and prevent them from rubbing against each other. The synovial membrane, a tissue that covers the remaining surfaces of the knee joint, secretes a fluid that lubricates the cartilage and reduces friction in the knee joint. The bones of the knee are held by muscles, ligaments, and tendons that give stability to the knee joint.
Knee Arthritis Diagnosis
At Polygon PT, a physical therapist will perform a physical examination on your knee, looking out for arthritis symptoms. We will also require you to undergo imaging tests such as X-ray, or MRI-scan with your doctor as additional diagnostic methods. Once the type and severity of arthritis are diagnosed, a treatment plan will be created for you.
What is Knee Arthritis?
Arthritis is a degenerative disease that attacks the bones and damages the cartilage that makes the bones able to move easily without friction. The loss of cartilage results in the bones rubbing against each other, and this causes pain. Knee arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint is damaged, causing pain in the knee. This can range from mild to moderate to severe. There are different forms of knee arthritis. They include:
Osteoarthritis: This form of arthritis is common in persons from 40 years of age most especially women. It can also occur in younger people
Rheumatoid arthritis: This happens when your immune system attacks your joints. The synovial membrane covering the joints becomes inflamed. This can damage the cartilage and lead to stiffness and pain in the knee
Post-traumatic arthritis: This begins to develop after a knee injury, where fractures and tears may damage the cartilage
Knee Arthritis
If you are experiencing mild to severe pain in your knee associated with stiffness or swelling, arthritis might just be the cause. It is important to contact a physical therapist immediately. Commencing treatment early eliminates the need for pain killers and surgery later on. Physical therapy helps to relieve pain, strengthen the knee joint, and provide motion and flexibility, so you can get back to your normal activities in a short time.