Understanding and Managing Arthritis
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Q: What Type of Arthritis Affects the Knees
A: The most common type of arthritis of the knee is osteoarthritis. In this disease, the cartilage in the knee gradually wears away. Treatments for osteoarthritis are:
– Medicines to reduce pain, such as aspirin and acetaminophen
– Medicines to reduce swelling and inflammation, such as ibuprofen
and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
– Exercises to improve movement and strength
– Weight loss.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another type of arthritis that affects the knee. In rheumatoid arthritis, the knee becomes inflamed and cartilage may be destroyed. Treatment includes:
– Physical therapy
– Medications
– Knee replacement surgery (for a seriously damaged knee).
Cartilage Injuries and Disorders
Chondromalacia (KON-dro-muh-lay-she-uh) occurs when the cartilage of the knee cap softens. This can be caused by injury, overuse, or muscle weakness, or if parts of the knee are out of alignment. Chondromalacia can develop if a blow to the knee cap tears off a piece of cartilage or a piece of cartilage containing a bone fragment.
The meniscus (meh-NISS-kus) is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts like a pad between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). It is easily injured if the knee is twisted while bearing weight. A partial or total tear may occur. If the tear is tiny, the
meniscus stays connected to the front and back of the knee. If the tear is large, the meniscus may be left hanging by a thread of cartilage. The seriousness of the injury depends on the location and the size of the tear.
Treatment for cartilage injuries includes:
– Exercises to strengthen muscles
– Electrical stimulation to strengthen muscles
– Surgery for severe injuries.
Ligament Injuries
Two commonly injured ligaments in the knee are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). An injury to these ligaments is sometimes called a “sprain.” The ACL is most often stretched or torn (or both) by a sudden twisting motion. The PCL is usually injured by a direct impact, such as in an automobile accident or football tackle.
The medial and lateral collateral ligaments are usually injured by a blow to the outer side of the knee. This can stretch and tear a ligament. These blows frequently occur in sports such as football or hockey.
Ligament injuries are treated with:
– Ice packs (right after the injury) to reduce swelling
– Exercises to strengthen muscles
– A brace
– Surgery (for more severe injuries).