Osteoarthritis Knee Symptoms and Causes
Suffering with osteoarthritis knee pain?
Understand your osteoarthritis
If you have been suffering with or were recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, you should know that you are not alone. Millions of people experience symptoms on a daily basis and need relief. OA is the most common type of arthritis and the most common joint disease worldwide.
What is happening in your knee
In a healthy knee, cartilage and lubricating joint fluid protect and cushion the bones, so it's easy to move and bend.
In a knee with OA
Slippery tissue that covers and protects the end of the bones in the joints (cartilage) gradually deteriorates.
Fluid that cushions and lubricates the joints (synovial fluid) breaks down, losing its ability to absorb shocks.
Bones may start to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of range of movement.
OA of the knee can become debilitating, making it difficult to do the simplest day to day activities. Because there is no known cure, your OA of the knee requires early and ongoing treatment.
Comparing a healthy knee with OA of the Knee
OA of the knee is classified in different ways. Some may characterize OA as a grade on a scale from 1(mild)to 4(severe). Other doctors may describe OA as mild, moderate, or severe.
A healthy knee
The surface of the cartilage at the knee joint is smooth and protected by joint fluid, allowing for freedom of movement without pain.
Mild OA
The surface of the cartilage at your knee joint begins to wear down. You may feel symptoms that are generally mild, including occasional pain from exercise and brief morning stiffness.
Moderate OA
Joint cartilage continues to wear away, and joint fluid may lose its ability to lubricate and cushion the knee. Bony growths or spurs may also form on the edges of the knee bones. You may feel that movement is painful.
Severe OA
Cartilage may wear away completely, causing bones to rub against each other. You may feel your pain is more constant and severe, and your ability to perform daily activities has decreased.
What are the signs and symptoms of OA of the knee?
Osteoarthritis of the knee usually develops slowly and gradually worsens over time, so you may notice a change in the degree of your symptoms. The signs and symptoms develop in one or both knees. The signs and symptoms range from mild to severe and may include.
Pain or grafting sensation during movement, and even pain at rest.
Stiffness after periods of rest
Joint swelling
Loss in function or range of movement
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