
Knee arthritis, a form of osteoarthritis, occurs when the cartilage within the knee joint wears down over time. This degeneration leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility in the knee. Several factors contribute to the development of knee arthritis, including age, genetics, previous knee injuries, obesity, and repetitive stress on the knee joint. Symptoms often worsen with physical activity or prolonged periods of standing and can significantly impact daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and bending the knee. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans, and sometimes joint fluid analysis to rule out other conditions.
Treatment options aim to relieve symptoms, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease. They may include lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and low-impact exercise, pain management medications, physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation, and in severe cases, surgical interventions such as knee replacement surgery to replace the damaged joint with an artificial one. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in managing knee arthritis and maintaining quality of life.