Important Symptoms of Arthritis of the Knee

Knee arthritis is a common condition. Arthritis in the medical world is known as osteoarthritis. This disease occurs in protective cartilage, which is a part of bone that is often used to move. Knee arthritis is an age-related disease. The older age of a person means the more often the knee joint is used, so it has a higher risk of developing knee arthritis. However, knee arthritis can also occur at a young age due to genetic factors, infection, being overweight, or injury to the knee.

Recognizing Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

Here are the symptoms that arise when knee arthritis occurs.

• Swelling in the knee

The first symptom of knee arthritis is inflammation of the knee, which is marked by the accumulation of fluid in the knee, so the knee swells, pain when pressed, the skin of the knee area is red and feels warm to the touch. This swelling occurs especially when the knee is not doing activities for a long time. For example, after waking up. If this complaint has been going on for a long time, it will usually be difficult to treat with anti-inflammatory drugs or over-the-counter medicines.

• Weakened knee muscles

Another symptom of knee arthritis is that the knee muscles become weak. The joint structure has also begun to be unstable. Then this part of the knee joint can be difficult to move at any time, either straightened or bent. These symptoms can not be ascertained when he felt.

• The shape of the knee changes

Knee arthritis often causes changes in the shape of the knee area, which is the appearance of a hollow due to weakening of the muscles in that section. Many people are not aware of this change in knee shape until arthritis has entered a more severe degree.

• The knee makes a sound when it moves

The knee makes a sound in the inflammation of the knee itself, because the joint has lost cartilage. Though the function of cartilage is to help smooth the motion. The sound that appears is a sign that your joints are moving on a rough surface and that only occurs in people who have arthritis of the knee.

• Knee is difficult to move

When you experience osteoarthritis or arthritis, it becomes difficult for you to move. Likewise, when knee arthritis occurs. Movement to bend the knee or walk, it becomes difficult. This relates to cartilage that is no longer functioning normally anymore. Over time the situation can get worse, until finally you become more difficult or even unable to move your knees again, and must use tools such as sticks or wheelchairs.

Mild knee arthritis can be treated with pain medications, such as paracetamol. Handling at home such as giving a rest, giving a cold compress interspersed with warm compresses on a painful knee, and maintaining ideal body weight can also relieve symptoms. To treat severe knee arthritis, you need to consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment. After the doctor performs the examination, further treatment such as physiotherapy, prescription drugs, to surgery may be needed to treat knee arthritis.