Different types of arthritis can occur in the knee, with the two most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The major difference is osteoarthritis usually doesn’t occur until middle age, while rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age.
Of course, many athletes and those who have experienced a knee injury know that arthritis can occur long after. Symptoms may not appear until several years later.
So what are the symptoms of arthritis in the knee?
Pain
Usually, the arthritic pain in the knee starts to develop slowly. You might notice pain when you get up in the morning or after completing certain tasks. You may notice pain when standing for long periods or when walking up and down stairs.
It’s important to note that you might notice pain in the smaller joints first before noticing the pain in your knees with rheumatoid arthritis. You may also feel the pain in both knees as it tends to be symmetrical.
Compared to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis pain usually is more sudden and can also progress more rapidly. Pain can sometimes worsen with:
- Excessive activity
- Cold weather
- Stress
- Changes in medications
Whether it appears gradually or suddenly, arthritic pain can be debilitating. It can continue to worsen with time and is one of the dangers of delaying knee surgery.
Swelling
Arthritis often causes inflammation in the knee. With osteoarthritis, you might have what is called hard swelling due to bone spurs’ formation in the arthritic joints. There may also be soft swelling which causes fluid to collect in the joints.
Regardless, swelling can worsen in the morning, or you might notice it is worse after periods of activity.
It is common to have swelling with Rheumatoid arthritis as well. Other symptoms such as fatigue and redness around the affected area are often noticed.
Decreased Range of Motion
Because of bone and cartilage damage, the range of motion of the knee can be affected. This can make it difficult to walk and perform other activities in life.
Sometimes medication and physical therapy can help patients gain some range of motion back. However, when these options fail, then surgery may be an option. Without surgery, patients can end up needing a walker or another assistive device to help them walk.
Knee Deformities
If damage progresses, arthritis can change the appearance of the knee.
On-going flares of pain and inflammation cause damage to the cartilage and tendons around the knee. Eventually, it can affect the shape and appearance of the knee.
Patients with osteoarthritis can have weak knees and muscles that eventually give them a “sunken” appearance.
The range of deformities varies significantly from person to person and how severe the disease is for the individual.
Where Can I find a surgeon in Florida to evaluate my knee?
If you have been diagnosed with a form of arthritis and are considering knee replacement surgery in the Spring Hill area, then contact us at Tarabishy Orthopedics.
Why? Because we are a clinic that treats you with respect, and we value honest patient-doctor relationships.
There is a reason why we have been a leader in Spring Hill orthopedics. Dr. Tarabisy has been practicing for over 30 years and is known as a top specialist in the area. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, he is fully trained, certified, and equipped to perform robotic-assisted knee and hip replacement surgery.
Dr. Tarabishy is committed to patients and offers the highest quality treatment solutions in Brooksville, Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, and the surrounding areas. He also offers hip replacement surgery, Mako Robotic Surgery, trigger finger release, and more!
Contact us today to learn more about our procedure or schedule an appointment for consultation. You may also reach us by calling 352-596-8558.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
