We rely on our knees for many different activities throughout the day – walking up stairs, getting out of cars and even sitting for extended periods of time. When your knee joints feel good and work as they’re supposed to, it’s easy to forget how much we use them. But pain in your knees can have a big impact on your daily life.
Arthritis in the knees is a common cause of knee pain and joint stiffness. Without proper treatment, knee arthritis can get worse over time and make it difficult to do the things you love. But how can you tell if it is arthritis that’s the cause of the discomfort in your knees? In this post, we’ll cover common types of knee arthritis, early signs to watch for and when to talk with a doctor about your symptoms.
Arthritis of the knee causes swelling, stiffness and joint pain
Arthritis is a disease that impacts the joints, and it occurs when the cartilage in the joints becomes damaged. This damage to the cartilage causes pain and affects joint mobility. Beyond knee pain, common symptoms of arthritis in the knee include swelling around the knee, knee stiffness and a limited range of motion in the knee.
If you’re younger and feeling some of these symptoms, you might be surprised to learn it’s knee arthritis. But it’s actually a myth that arthritis only affects older adults. While it’s most commonly found in older women, anyone can develop arthritis, regardless of their age or gender.
There are three common types of knee arthritis
While there are hundreds of different types of arthritis, the most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic knee arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a condition that breaks down the smooth tissue (articular cartilage) that cushions the knee joint. You might also hear it called degenerative joint disease (DJD) or wear-and-tear arthritis. It’s the most common type of arthritis and can affect people at any age. However, those over age 50 are more likely to experience this type of knee arthritis.
There are many causes of osteoarthritis, including loss or damage to the cartilage as we age. Traumatic injury and prolonged, heavy use of the joints can also cause it. Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include a loss of flexibility in the knee, aches and pains in the knee joint at the end of the day, knee pain during physical activity and swelling around the knee.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that impacts the lining of your knee joints. This means that the immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing damage and inflammation. People with RA often experience uncomfortable symptoms in multiple joints throughout the body.
The most common symptom of RA in the knees is swollen knees that may be warm to the touch. Joint stiffness that is worse right after waking up or periods of inactivity can also be a sign of RA.
Post-traumatic knee arthritis
Repeated injuries and trauma to the knee can cause cartilage to break down and your knees to become less stable. While other types of arthritis show symptoms gradually, post-traumatic knee arthritis comes on quickly after an injury. People typically notice symptoms after a few months. It’s also usually temporary and often heals completely with time and the right treatment.
Risk factors for developing knee arthritis
Experts are still doing research to determine what causes arthritis in the knee. While the exact cause isn’t known, there are risk factors that may contribute to the likelihood of developing arthritis:
- Being overweight
- Bone anomalies (differences in bone shape or structure)
- Gender (it’s more common in women)
- Gout
- Having metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes
- Hereditary conditions
- History of injuries
- Older age
- Overuse of the joints
Knee arthritis is a progressive condition: Symptoms get worse with time
When you’re beginning to develop the condition, you may notice symptoms come and go. Here are a few early signs and symptoms of knee arthritis to keep an eye out for:
- Knee pain – It’s common to have short bouts of knee pain here and there, but knee pain that comes and goes for six months can be a symptom of knee arthritis. Feeling pain in your knees after certain activities such as long car rides, walking for extended periods of time or sitting cross-legged is another sign of arthritis.
- Stiffness – Knee stiffness after waking up is another common sign of knee arthritis. You may experience limited range of motion in the knees for several minutes after waking as the joints warm up.
- Cracking or popping sound in the knee – Many people notice sounds coming from one or both knees while they move or fully extend the joint.
- Changes to the appearance of the knees – Knee deformities are common signs of arthritis in the knee. You might notice that your knee looks larger or that there’s a new bony bump.
- Swelling or warm to the touch – Arthritis causes inflammation, which can make your knee swell or feel warm. This is typically a sign that your knee arthritis is becoming more severe, so it might be one of the last early symptoms you notice.
Arthritis of the knee feels a bit different for everyone
Everyone will have a unique combination of symptoms, which means your knee arthritis will feel a little different from someone else’s. In most cases, pain is one of the earliest symptoms of knee arthritis. You may have pain that starts out minor and dissipates after a short time, but pain from knee arthritis often lasts longer and becomes more severe with time.
You might also feel stiffness in the knee that makes it difficult for you to fully straighten your leg. Limited mobility is common, especially right after resting. It may take some time for your knee to warm up and move more normally.
When to see a doctor for knee arthritis
If you think you have knee arthritis or if symptoms of knee arthritis are making it difficult for you to get through the day, it may be time to speak with a doctor. At TRIA, we have many convenient locations throughout the Twin Cities, making it simpler for you to get the orthopedic care you need. When an injured joint interrupts your daily life, stay close to home and get treated by TRIA.