Care for arthritic knee pain includes a variety of nonsurgical and surgical treatments

Arthritic knee pain can be quite painful and disabling. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, almost 5 million people visit the offices of orthopedic surgeons each year in the United States because of knee problems. More than 3 million of the visits are due to injuries; the remaining visits are for arthritis and other disorders.

Types of arthritic knee conditions:

There are three basic types of arthritis that affect the knee joint:

• Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of knee arthritis, is a progressive degenerative disease in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. This condition usually affects middle-aged people and seniors.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. This inflammatory arthritis destroys joint cartilage over time. It can develop at any age and usually affects both knees.
• Post-traumatic arthritis. This form of arthritis develops after an injury to the knee.

Symptoms of arthritic knees

How can you tell if you have arthritic knees? Symptoms include:

• Gradual development of pain (although in some cases the onset of pain can be sudden)
• Stiff and swollen knee joints
• Difficulty in bending or straightening the knees
• After activity or sleep, knee pain tends to be worse
• Pain causes knee weakness
• Pain is experienced with changes in weather

Diagnosing and treating arthritic knees

If you believe you have arthritic knees, talk to your doctor. He or she will perform a physical exam and may order additional tests, including X-rays. If you are diagnosed with an arthritic knee condition, your doctor is likely to try conservative treatment first-that is, nonsurgical treatments. Treatment will focus on lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, changes in exercise routines and rehabilitation designed to increase the knees' range of motion and muscle strength.

Your doctor also may recommend supportive devices . These devices include canes, shoe inserts and knee braces and sleeves.

In addition, depending on your type of arthritic knee condition, drug treatment may be recommended. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can help reduce joint swelling. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are over-the-counter supplements that can help relieve pain. Corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory agents, are another option. Corticosteroids are injected directly into the knee joint to relieve pain and swelling. If arthritic knee pain does not respond to these conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical options include arthroscopic surgery, osteotomy, arthroplasty and cartilage grafting. A rehabilitation program usually follows surgery.

For more information about care for arthritic knees, talk to your doctor. For products that can help ease arthritic knee pain, see product menu at right.

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