Knee Arthritis: Overview, Symptoms, and Treatment What is Knee Arthritis? Knee arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and degeneration of the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. It commonly affects older adults but can also occur in younger individuals due to injury or genetic factors. Types of Knee Arthritis: Osteoarthritis (OA) – Most common; caused by wear and tear of cartilage over time. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks joint linings. Post-Traumatic Arthritis – Develops after an injury such as a fracture or ligament tear. Gout or Pseudogout – Caused by crystal deposits in the joint. Symptoms: Knee pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest Swelling and tenderness Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting Grinding, popping, or clicking sounds Limited range of motion Weakness or instability in the knee Diagnosis: Physical examination X-rays to detect joint space narrowing or bone spurs MRI for cartilage or soft tissue damage Blood tests (for autoimmune arthritis) Joint aspiration (to rule out infection or gout) Treatment Options: Non-Surgical: Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, low-impact exercise (e.g., swimming, cycling) Medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or disease-modifying drugs (for RA) Physical therapy: Strengthening exercises, stretching, and assistive devices Injections: Corticosteroids – to reduce inflammation Hyaluronic acid – for lubrication PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) – to promote healing Surgical: Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive; used to clean out the joint in early stages (limited role in arthritis) Osteotomy: Realignment of bones to reduce pressure on the joint Partial Knee Replacement: For localized arthritis Total Knee Replacement (TKR): For advanced, widespread arthritis