How Is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed?
Medical History & Symptoms
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, including pain, stiffness, swelling, and any difficulty with movement. They may also ask you about past injuries, family history of arthritis, and daily activities that aggravate the condition.
Physical Examination
A physical exam assesses knee function, stability, and range of motion. The doctor will check for swelling, tenderness, warmth, and any grinding or clicking sounds when moving the knee.
Imaging Tests
- X-rays – Reveal bone changes such as joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or deformities associated with arthritis.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including cartilage, ligaments, and menisci, to detect early-stage arthritis or other knee conditions.
What Causes Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis develops when the joint’s cartilage gradually wears down, but the underlying causes vary. Some common causes include:
- Ageing: Cartilage naturally deteriorates with age, making older adults more susceptible to arthritis.
- Joint Overuse: Repetitive stress on the knee joint from activities such as running, squatting, or kneeling can accelerate wear and tear.
- Previous Knee Injuries: A history of knee injuries, such as ligament tears or fractures, can lead to post-traumatic arthritis.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic inflammation, leading to cartilage damage.
- Genetic Factors: Some individuals inherit a predisposition to develop arthritis due to genetic factors.
- Metabolic Disorders: Conditions like gout or diabetes can increase the risk of joint inflammation and cartilage breakdown.
Risk Factors of Knee Arthritis
Several factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing knee arthritis, including:
- Age: The risk increases with age, especially in individuals over 50.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the knee joints, accelerating cartilage wear.
- Family History: A genetic predisposition can increase the risk of arthritis.
- Repetitive Stress Activities: Jobs or sports that involve repetitive knee movements can contribute to joint deterioration.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after menopause.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity weakens the muscles supporting the knee joint, leading to instability and increased strain on the cartilage.
- Joint Misalignment: Conditions like bowlegs or knock knees can unevenly distribute weight on the knee, leading to cartilage damage.
Types of Knee Arthritis
There are several types of arthritis that can affect the knee, including:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common form of knee arthritis, caused by wear and tear over time. It leads to cartilage breakdown and joint deterioration.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the synovial membrane (lining of the joints), leading to inflammation and joint damage.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after a knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear, which can accelerate cartilage degeneration.
- Gout and Pseudogout: Forms of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid (gout) or calcium crystals (pseudogout) in the knee joint.
Regardless of the type, knee arthritis can significantly impact a person’s quality of life if left untreated.
Knee Arthritis Treatment in Singapore
There is no cure for knee arthritis, but several treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment is categorized into non-surgical and surgical approaches.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Knee Arthritis
For mild to moderate arthritis, conservative treatments can help relieve pain and slow disease progression:
- Medications :
- Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, NSAIDs like ibuprofen)
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate the joint
- Disease-modifying drugs (for rheumatoid arthritis)
- Physiotherapy :
- Strengthening exercises to support the knee joint
- Stretching and flexibility exercises to improve mobility
- Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to maintain joint function
- Weight Management :
- Losing excess weight reduces strain on the knee and slows cartilage deterioration.
- Lifestyle Modifications :
- Using knee braces or shoe inserts for better joint alignment
- Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms
- Applying ice or heat therapy to relieve pain and stiffness
- Alternative Therapies :
- Acupuncture, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, and massage therapy may provide additional symptom relief for some individuals.
Surgical Treatments for Knee Arthritis
When non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, surgical options may be considered:
- Arthroscopic Surgery :
- Minimally invasive procedure to remove loose cartilage, repair minor damage, or smooth rough joint surfaces.
- Osteotomy :
- Realignment surgery to shift weight away from the damaged part of the knee.
- Partial Knee Replacement :
- Replaces only the damaged portion of the knee while preserving healthy tissue.
- Total Knee Replacement :
- The entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant, providing long-term pain relief and improved function.
What Happens If Knee Arthritis Is Left Untreated?
Without prompt and proper management, knee arthritis can lead to:
- Severe Pain and Disability: Worsening pain can make walking and daily activities difficult.
- Joint Deformity: Advanced arthritis can cause knee misalignment, bowing, or contractures.
- Loss of Independence: Reduced mobility may lead to reliance on assistive devices or caregivers.
- Increased Fall Risk: Weak, unstable knees raise the risk of falls and fractures.
- Emotional and Mental Health Impact: Chronic pain and limited mobility can lead to depression and reduced quality of life.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Consult a Singapore knee specialist if you experience:
- Persistent knee pain that interferes with daily activities
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee joint
- Difficulty walking, standing, or bending the knee
- No improvement despite using pain relievers and home treatments
- Severe knee stiffness, especially in the morning
- Signs of knee deformity or joint instability
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can knee arthritis develop without a prior injury?
Yes, knee arthritis can develop without a prior injury, particularly in older adults or those with a genetic predisposition. It can also develop as a result of overuse or age-related cartilage deterioration.
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Is knee arthritis hereditary?
Yes, knee arthritis can run in families. If a close relative has knee arthritis, there may be an increased risk of developing the condition due to genetic factors.
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Is weight a factor in knee arthritis?
Yes, excess weight places additional stress on the knee joints, increasing the risk of developing knee arthritis or worsening existing symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the strain on the knees.
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How does the weather affect knee arthritis?
Many people with knee arthritis report that their symptoms worsen in cold or damp weather. This may be due to changes in atmospheric pressure, which can affect joint swelling and stiffness.
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Can knee arthritis be reversed or cured?
Currently, there is no cure for knee arthritis, and it cannot be reversed. However, symptoms can be managed and knee replacement is also an effective treatment for eligible patients.
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Can knee arthritis cause pain at night?
Yes, knee arthritis can cause nighttime pain due to stiffness and inflammation in the joint. This is often worse when lying down for extended periods, and adjusting sleeping positions or using supportive pillows may help alleviate discomfort.
