Knee Arthritis Symptoms And Treatment

Health Pain

What is Post Traumatic Arthritis Knee?

When an injury occurs and the bone and cartilage of the knee do not heal properly, development of post-traumatic knee arthritis may occur. These abnormalities can lead to extra wear and tear on the joints surface. This can lead to the development of osteoarthritis.

What are the causes of Post Traumatic Knee Arthritis?

Post-traumatic knee arthritis usually develops after a serious fracture, torn ligament, or a tear to the meniscus. Any traumatic injury to the joint, its ligaments or supporting muscles makes the joint unstable. The increased stress on the joint cartilage can lead to arthritis.

What are the symptoms of Post Traumatic Knee Arthritis?

Presenting symptoms can be stiff and swollen joint(s), pain and swelling, increase of pain with activity, locking or buckling of knee, and an increase in the degree of pain with weather changes.

What are the parts of the knee and how can each be related to Post Traumatic Knee Arthritis?

Ligaments –

there are 4 ligaments that can be injured. You may be unable to bear weight on injured knee. You may hear a popping sound or feel like your knee is going to buckle or give way on you. There is immediate pain with said injury and the pain worsens with walking or bending. This can be knee arthritis symptoms.

Tendon –

tendonitis is the irritation or inflammation of one or more tendons. There is pain in one or both knees with swelling. This is very common in athletes.

Meniscus –

is a tear in the cartilage known as torn cartilage. There is mild to moderate amounts of swelling, slowly, and with pain 24 to 36 hours after injury. This can lead to knee arthritis symptoms.

Bursitis –

is an inflamed bursa. The area will feel warm to the touch and appear red and swollen. At rest, there is pain.

Loose Body –

is when part of the bone or cartilage breaks off and is floating around in the joint space. This can cause pain and the joint to feel in a locked position.

Dislocated kneecap –

is when the patella slips out of place. There will be intense pain. It will swell and walking or straightening the knee will be difficult.

How is Post Traumatic Arthritis treated?

Your doctor will prescribe what is best for you and may include some of the following: lifestyle modifications, exercise (water aerobics, yoga, pilates), supplemental devices (knee sleeve, cane, knee brace), physical therapy, and ice. Medications can be OTC (over-the-counter) sych as aspirin, Ibuprofen (acetaminophen) and NSAIDs (Motrin, Advil, and Aleve). Oral supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can be taken. Your doctor may prescribe injections such as corticosteroids, gold salt, or viscosupplmentation with hyaluronic acid. Surgery can be an option for post traumatic arthritis and may include osteotomy, arthroscopy, partial or total knee replacements.