Signs & Symptoms of Arthritis in the Knee
Arthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the knees and other joints. According to the website of the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, arthritis causes cartilage in the joints to lose its smooth surface and become rough. This causes friction between cartilage surfaces, which causes the cartilage to break down.
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Pain
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The main symptoms of arthritis of the knee are chronic pain, swelling, and heat around the knee. Arthritis can also cause stiffness in the knees in the morning that often loosens as the day goes on. Pain from arthritis tends to increase over time. The condition also causes the knees to lock or catch.
Effects
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As arthritis causes the cartilage in the knee to break down, the body will sometimes try to generate new bone. This can result in the creation of bone spurs in the knee which can be very painful. Friction in the joints can also cause pieces of cartilage and bone to break off, leaving them floating in joint fluid.
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Causes
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Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, can be a hereditary condition, according to UCSF Medical Center. More often, however, arthritis develops after wear and tear from sports and other activities. Arthritis is likely to start after a traumatic injury, several minor injuries, or years of chronic stress.
Age
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Arthritis of the knees usually afflicts people over the age of 45, and most people over 60 have at least some signs of mild arthritis. Athletes and others whose lifestyles put a lot of stress on their knees sometimes develop arthritis at younger ages.
Weight, Body Structure
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Being overweight can place extra stress on the knees. This can contribute to the development of arthritis at a younger age and can also make arthritis more painful. Similarly, having an abnormal body structure, such as misaligned knees, can also put extra stress on the joints, contributing to the development of arthritis.
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