Arthritis of the knee joint is one of the most common causes of knee pain. Osteoarthritis is defined as progressive wearing away of the cartilage in the joint. The cartilage is there to serve as a cushion between the bones in the knee joint. When the cartilage degenerates, the bone may get inflamed and activities will become increasingly painful.
Early Signs and Symptoms
- Pain with knee bending and knee straightening
- Pain with weight bearing
- Swelling/stiffness of the knee joint
- Tenderness of the knee
- Feelings of knee instability
Understanding The Knee Joint
The knee capsule consists of 2 joints including the tibio femoral joint and the patello femoral joint. Arthritis can occur in either of these joints in the knee.
- Tibio-Femoral joint – where the tibia meets the femur
- Patello Femoral joint – where the patella meets the femur.
What Causes Osteoarthritis of The Knee?
- A previous knee injury
- Repetitive strain on the knee
- Improper joint alignment
- Being overweight
- Exercise/sports-generated stress placed on the knee joint
Osteoarthritis is also influenced by multiple factors such as age, gender and inherited traits. If you are having knee joint stiffness, then you may be experiencing the early stages of knee Osteoarthritis. Starting physical therapy at the early stage may help you reverse the knee damage from Osteoarthritis. Don’t let knee pain limit you from the activities you love.
Call Respire Physical Therapy at 703-671-1871 to Schedule an Evaluation Today!
Tags: knee pain, Osteoarthritis, healthy tips, Arthritis, Hip and Knee Pain, Knee Pain Relief, arthritic pain, Physical Therapy, falls church, Respire Physical Therapy, Knee Arthritis, health, physical therapist, health and wellness, kneepain
