Arthritis Knee Pain – Two Most Common Types of Arthritis
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis knee pain from osteoarthritis, for example, stems from previous injuries or extraordinary wearing of the joint, allowing the cartilage to wear away and bone to rub against bone. Arthritis knee pain as a result of rheumatoid arthritis stems from the body’s own immune system attacking the joint and soft tissue, eroding the cartilage and eventually the bones on either side of the knee. Both conditions can cause arthritis knee pain, as well as pain in other joints like hips, hands, feet, or back.
Arthritis knee pain stemming from rheumatoid arthritis is a frustrating part of the condition. It is not known why the body’s immune system begins to target its own body tissue. The cartilage and joint lining are routinely attacked by the very immune system cells meant to fight sickness, resulting in degradation of the joint, and eventually arthritis knee pain that progressively worsens. However, arthritis knee pain is not the only issue patients must address. The condition also causes joint deformity, which combined with the pain can seriously limit mobility. As there is no cure, the only course of treatment lies in easing symptoms.
Arthritis knee pain stemming from osteoarthritis is generally more a condition of aging than of disease. Prior injury, obesity, and over or under use of small or large joints contribute to the condition. Arthritis knee pain can often be traced to obesity, as the additional weight strains leg joints. Doctors often recommend weight loss to help alleviate arthritis knee pain and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. In addition to weight loss, doctors also recommend over the counter or prescription medications as well as dietary supplements and exercise to maintain mobility. Joint replacement for excessive arthritis knee pain or other joint pain is an option for some patients.
There are many other types of arthritis or diseases with arthritis-like symptoms. Lupus and Gout, for example, will often present with symptoms like arthritis knee pain, pain in the hands, or pain in the feet. Infectious arthritis can also cause arthritis knee pain, even if the infection is elsewhere in the body. Septic arthritis causes pain in the specific joint that is infected. In total, there are over 100 forms of arthritis. However, most arthritis knee pain is caused by either rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, as these are the two most common forms of arthritis.
