If you're experiencing
frequent pain or stiffness, it's important to find out why - because it may be
a form of arthritis.
There are many types of
arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. But
the most common type is osteoarthritis (OA), which creates a loss of cartilage
and damages the cushioning fluid in the knee joint. The following information
can provide you with more insight into OA of the knee, the symptoms, and how to
know if you're at risk. But most important, be sure to talk to your doctor to
find out for sure what is causing your knee pain.
What is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?
Osteoarthritis of the knee is
a disease that causes a breakdown of the cartilage and a reduction in the
effectiveness of the joint fluid. This can make bones rub against each other,
causing pain, stiffness and loss of movement in the joint. By contrast, in a
healthy knee the cartilage and lubricating joint fluid protect and cushion the
bones, making moving and bending easy.
OA is the most common joint
condition worldwide. In America alone, more than 21 million people suffer from osteoarthritis; more than 14
million of those are estimated to have OA of the knee. Affecting the mobility
and flexibility of your joints, OA can be very mild or so severe that it limits
your everyday activities.
What Are the Symptoms?
OA of the knee usually
develops slowly and gradually worsens over time. Symptoms can develop in one or
both knees, and the pain can range from mild to very severe. You may
experience:
Prepare For Your Doctor's Visit(Sponsored Information)
Help your doctor determine what the best treatment option is for your Osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain by preparing in advance for your next appointment. Use the following 3 steps as a guide to get the most out of your visit:
Easing Knee Pain: 10 Reasons to Start Walking(Sponsored Information)
Walking is the ultimate easy-to-do, good-for-you exercise. You don't need special gear, you can go with friends or solo, stay indoors or venture outdoors, and, best of all for those with tender knees, you can do it at your own pace. Start slowly - try for three 10-minute outings a day at first - and add speed, hills and longer distances as your endurance and strength builds.
Top Six Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis of the Knee(Sponsored Information)
If you are diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, your doctor may start you on one or more different therapies to reduce your symptoms. The choice of treatments will depend on a number of factors unique to you and your health needs, including your medical history, level of pain and the impact of OA on your daily life.
SYNVISC: Could it be the Right Treatment for You?(Sponsored Information)
There are many treatment options for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. When you are first diagnosed, your doctor will likely recommend diet, exercise and oral medications. If you don't receive enough knee pain relief, other options such as SYNVISC may be able to help.
Pain-Free And Loving Life: A SYNVISC Story(Sponsored Information)
Four years ago, Patt Watson's left knee was in so much pain that she couldn't even keep up with her family while visiting Busch Gardens. "I was the lagger," she recalls. "I'd have to sit and wait and watch them do things." But it wasn't just theme parks that were challenging. Everyday tasks soon became impossible as her osteoarthritis knee pain worsened.
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