We’ve all heard the term “arthritis,” but do you really know what it is? Read to learn the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and find out if they are causing your arthritis knee pain.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a catch-all term for inflammation of the joint, causing pain and stiffness. Typically, arthritis worsens with age and will require treatment to relieve the pain. Two major types of arthritis exist, including:
- Osteoarthritis: This type is a progressive, degenerative disease where the cartilage of the joint slowly wears away. It most commonly affects middle-aged and older people.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This type is technically an autoimmune disorder that can affect more than just the joints. It causes swelling in the lining of the joints that can result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
How Common is Arthritis Knee Pain?
Osteoarthritis does not discriminate against any joints in the body. In fact, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects the knees. Because our knees take a lot of the force when we walk, the joints inside wear down more quickly than other lesser-used joints. Knee pain from osteoarthritis is a common struggle for people over the age of fifty.Rheumatoid arthritis acts differently than osteoarthritis specifically when it comes to the knees. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you likely will notice pain in more than just one joint in your body.
How Do You Treat Arthritis Knee Pain?
Lake Pointe Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine offers their expertise to help you diagnose and treat your knee pain caused by arthritis. The two most common treatments we offer are surgery and injections. However, if surgery is not absolutely necessary, we will not suggest it as a first option.If you believe you are suffering from arthritis knee pain, contact us to schedule your consultation.