Knee osteoarthritis, often called wear-and-tear arthritis, occurs when the cartilage in your knee joint deteriorates over time. Arthritis of the knee can affect people of all ages, though it’s more common as you get older. The risk factors for developing knee arthritis include:
- Age: The risk of knee arthritis increases with age. It’s more common in people over 50, but it can develop earlier due to certain conditions or injuries.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop arthritis of the knee compared to men, particularly osteoarthritis.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the knee joints, increasing the risk of arthritis.
- Previous Injury: Injuries to the knee, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis later in life.
- Genetics: Family history plays a role. If you have close relatives with arthritis, you may be at a higher risk.
- Occupation and Activities: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive stress on the knees, such as heavy lifting or kneeling, may increase the risk.
- Other Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or metabolic disorders, can predispose someone to developing knee arthritis.
- Joint Alignment: Abnormalities in joint alignment can contribute to uneven wear and tear on the knee joint, leading to arthritis.
It’s important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of developing arthritis, they don’t guarantee it. Additionally, some people with none of these risk factors may still develop knee arthritis, while others with several risk factors may never develop it.
Knee arthritis can lead to a range of symptoms, including:
- Pain: Persistent pain in the knee joint, particularly with movement or weight-bearing activities.
- Stiffness: Difficulty in moving the knee, especially after periods of inactivity, like sitting or sleeping.
- Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint, caused by inflammation as the body reacts to the breakdown of cartilage.
- Decreased range of motion: Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee.
- Grinding or crunching sensation: Often described as a feeling of grinding, popping, or crunching within the knee joint during movement.
- Weakness or instability: Feeling of instability or giving way in the knee, making it difficult to support weight or perform daily activities.
- Bony growths: Formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) around the edges of the joint, visible on X-rays.
- Deformity: In advanced cases, the knee joint may become visibly deformed or misaligned.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Treatment options may include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, genicular artery embolization or in severe cases, knee joint replacement. At Premier vein and vascular center, we offer a new revolutionary treatment for arthritis of knee, called “genicular artery embolization” or GAE. This new treatment provides immediate pain relief, improves range of movement and better quality of life. contact us today to learn more about GAE and how it can help alleviate your knee pain!
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BLOG DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified expert for personalized guidance.