Arthritis on the Knee

This article deals with the causes and treatment of the arthritis on the knee

Knee is the hinge joint of the body which helps in the movement of the legs. In each joint there is a smooth tissue known as articular cartilage which facilitates the movement. Arthritis is the degenerative disease in which this articular cartilage gets worn out. This is called wear and tear of the cartilage which exposes the bone and causes damage to the bone. It may lead to inflammation of the joint with acute pain in it and may even limit mobility. Arthritis on the knee is the most common disease that old age people of all cast and color faces.

Arthritis on the knee may be classified as Osteoarthritis where the cartilage is damaged generally and causes the bones to grind against each other. Inflammation is caused due to the friction between the bones and acute pain arises. Rheumatoid arthritis is the second type which affects the knee. In this with the cartilage bone in the joint also gets damaged and cause inflammation and pain.

The significant cause of the arthritis on the knee is not yet known. Some experts say that genes also contribute to the arthritis. It is generally the degeneration process which contributes to the arthritis. In severe cases it may cause total impairment of the joint and limit mobility of the joint. It may also cause the deformation of the bone of the joints and the only treatment available is surgery.

There are a lot of treatments present for arthritis on the knee. Since obesity is also a reason which causes arthritis diet control also helps in reducing arthritis. Use of drugs to reduce the arthritis pain is important because the arthritis pain is very acute. Use of ice therapy, relaxation for the joint is the primary medication that is done to reduce the inflammation and the pain. Use of knee braces and straps should be used while using the joints.

Apart from the treatment lifestyle changes may also help in reducing the arthritis. Inclusion of exercises in the daily routine will help keep the joints fit. Knee bears the whole weight of the body hence the body weight also counts as a factor for arthritis on the knee. Reducing of body weight helps in prevention of the arthritis at an early age. Arthritis in the elderly people cannot be prevented but by adopting anti-arthritis diet in the lifestyle will help in delay of the degeneration of the tissues. Sometimes post traumatic injuries and infection also causes arthritis in young people.

There are continuous research going on in the field of arthritis and people are trying other alternatives than medical treatments. There are many natural and herbal therapies being developed to reduce the arthritis pain. There is more emphasis on use of natural products and herbs in reducing and preventing arthritis on the knee. Intake of glucosamine, an important component of cartilage, through natural source also helps in the arthritis There is a development of positive feeling towards these alternative methods as patients are finding them to be more beneficial and that too at a lower cost.