Last Updated on April 14, 2021
The 7 Main Symptoms of Arthritis on the Knees
Several types of arthritis can affect your well-being and quality of life, but rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis are the best known – and worrisome as well. Both affect the joints of the body, cause horrible pain, and erode bone cartilage. Your knees are one of the most punished areas, especially if you have already suffered a knee injury. How to know if you have arthritis in the knee? That is what we’ll show you next by letting you know the top 7 main symptoms of arthritis in the knee.
1. Exponential Increase in Knee Pain
Usually, the knee pain resulting from arthritis manifests itself very slowly – although it may appear suddenly in some cases. It is normal that as age advances, the pain increases in frequency and intensity. You can start by experiencing slight pain when getting out of bed and, without realizing it, having knee pain when climbing stairs or kneeling to do gymnastic exercises, among other practical examples. In people who have rheumatoid arthritis, the symptoms are evident in the small joints and are symmetrical, as they affect both sides of the body. Those who suffer from knee osteoarthritis can see the symptoms of this inflammatory disease evolve quickly or more widely over time, depending on factors such as cold, stress, or over-activity.
2. Swelling or Excessive Tenderness in the Knees
One of the main symptoms of arthritis is related to swelling or excessive tenderness in the knee area. When you suffer from Osteoarthritis, it is natural to have joint swelling. This swelling can be prominent due to bone spurs, but also mild as the joint inflammation can simply accumulate fluid in the knee area. People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis also have this knee arthritis symptom and other complementary factors such as fever, physical and mental tiredness, and an enormous ill-feeling and feeling of unease. In rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis symptoms are evident throughout the body and not just in the affected area as with Osteoarthritis.
3. Loss of Range of Motion
When your knee joints are swollen, it is natural for you to lose joint range when performing any type of movement, and this happens very often in people who have already suffered a knee injury or trauma. In fact, with age, it becomes increasingly difficult to walk, climb stairs or perform other activities where you have to move your knees – in many cases, it is necessary to use a cane or walker for people to maintain balance and the possibility of walking. There are several reasons that explain the loss of joint amplitude in the knees, and the most important changes are reflected in the level of cartilage, loss of capsular thickening, and decreased osteophytes. How to deal with arthritis pain? Regardless of the treatment you are following, loss of joint amplitude is natural for people with arthritis. Therefore, you must opt for exemplary weight management, exercise, dedicate yourself to acupuncture, take arthritis medication, and other cognitive-behavioral therapies.
