Arthritis Knee Pain

Arthritis – there are over 100 known types of Arthritis but they all have one thing in common – pain.  Pain is typically worst in joints, which can become swollen and stiff.  The pain can be very difficult to deal with and, whilst arthritis cannot be cured, it can be treated through a variety of methods and products.  Arthritis knee pain can be particularly debilitating.  Our knees carry us many miles and if arthritis knee pain is effecting you this will impact many areas of your life.

The two main types of Arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.  Bones become fragile and brittle, caused by damage, infection or aging of the joints.  Whilst common in people aged over 45 it can also occur in younger people.  It is typically found in the larger weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees, shoulders and the lower spine but can also effect areas such as hands and feet. 

Osteoarthritis is also known as “wear and tear” arthritis.  Sufferers will experience joint stiffness on rising but this normally abates after 30 minutes or so.  As the day goes on symptoms can be aggravated by repetitive use of the joint or prolonged activity.  Effected joints can tend to look larger than normal, mainly due to abnormal growth of the bone next to damaged cartilage.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints.  Rheumatoid arthritis is typically found in the hands, feet and knees.  In cases of Rheumatoid arthritis the body’s immune system attacks the body’s own tissues causing the tissue surrounding the joint to become inflamed and thickened.  The body reacts by producing increased amounts of fluid in the joints, which causes the swelling, pain and stiffness associated with Rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is more commonly found in women aged between 25 – 50.  Morning stiffness on rising can last for several hours and sufferers will experience warmth, swelling and pain in the joints.  Unlike Osteoarthritis, effected joints are usually symmetrical such as the same joints on both hands.  Sufferers of Rheumatoid arthritis can also experience fever, fatigue, depression, loss of appetite, dry eyes and chest pain.  As the condition becomes more advanced, effected joints can become deformed and extremely painful.