Arthritic Knee Pain

Arthritic knee pain is a common affliction caused by degenerative changes within the knee joint. Knee arthritis pain is most commonly caused by osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, which is a progressive condition.

Function

• Knee arthritis pain typically occurs as the articular cartilage lining the bony ends of the knee joint erodes. As this cartilage layer deteriorates, knee joint pain and stiffness become more pronounced.

Significance

• Knee arthritis pain generally begins as a dull, throbbing ache and gradually increases in severity as the arthritic process advances. In severe cases, the bone beneath the eroding cartilage strip begins to fray, which increases knee pain.

Progression

• Generally, knee arthritis progresses over time to the point where bones that form the knee joint---the tibia and the femur---begin to rub together. This bone-on-bone contact causes severe pain and knee joint dysfunction.

Misconceptions

• A common misconception is that knee arthritis (and the accompanying pain) primarily affects elderly people. While knee arthritis is more prevalent in the elderly population, knee arthritis can, and often does, strike young, otherwise healthy individuals.

Prevention/Solution

• Mild to moderate cases of knee arthritis pain can usually be managed with pain medication and lifestyle modifications. To treat more severe cases, surgical intervention, including knee replacement surgery, may be necessary.