Knee Arthritis

One of the most common forms of arthritis today is knee arthritis or Osteoarthritis.  Knee arthritis occurs when there is swelling and inflammation in or around the kneecap area as well as the joints and often leaves the patient uncomfortable for hours after getting up from a chair.  Knee arthritis is most common to senior citizens over the age of 65 and one in every two senior citizens suffer from it.

Often noted by most patients as a “dull ache” that occurs when the leg twitches or jerks leaves some patients wincing in pain.  Most sufferers note that the pain resides over the tibia and femur as well as the area in front of the knee known as the patella.  There is some swelling with knee arthritis that can be mild to severe depending on how frequent the patient exercises.  The pain reaches it peak point when the patient tries to stand erect after sitting down.  Patients often complain about the occasional popping and grinding in the kneecaps when standing up from a crouched position. 

Patients who suffer from knee arthritis often can walk short distances before feeling the discomfort and pain of knee arthritis.  Some patients prefer ice or heat on the area to receive relief from their condition.  There are some forms of pain medication that the patient can take as well as some mild over the counter pain relievers that may or may not offer the relief they seek.  Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin and Tylenol are often prescribed to help reduce the pain and swelling.