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Arthritis Knee Pain

You don’t have to be an athlete to have arthritis knee pain. Knee swelling and the almost necessary back-of-knee pain can go hand in hand. This is a fairly common occurrence even among people who aren’t physically active. Needles to say, knee joint pain handicaps a person. This is especially true if that person is an athlete. Knee pain relief, however, isn’t necessarily complicated.

Causes of Knee Pain

Generally, knee pain falls into one of two categories. It is either caused by a mechanical issue or an inflammatory one. Either of these can come from direct impact. Overstretching or straining beyond a knee's normal range of motion can also cause a swollen knee. If the problem is knee osteoarthritis, the problem comes from general use, age, and genetics.

Arthritis and knee pain are usually connected by osteoarthritis. An inflamed arthritis knee can destroy cartilage besides causing pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is yet another cause for knee joint pain and a swollen knee.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of knee joint pain. And in the United States it’s one of the most common causes of disability. But if diagnosed and handled early its effects may be minimized. There are a number of causes for knee osteoarthritis.

Athletes who are forced to put repetitive strain on their knees can cause osteoarthritis. And for some people it’s just a bad roll on the genetic lottery. In cases of obesity once the knee osteoarthritis shows up, the added pressure on the knees causes additional damage.

Knee arthritis symptoms can take years to fully show up. One of the first symptoms is knee joint pain. And a swollen knee is one of its more noticeable symptoms. A limited range of motion can also be an indication of knee osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Another condition, rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause a swollen knee. This kind of arthritis doesn’t start at the knees, but it regularly spreads there. It is a recurring condition among many people, but oftentimes they don't experience any symptoms.

While sometimes the symptoms are very clear, oftentimes the symptoms aren't there. The exact reason why symptoms don't always show up hasn't been quite determined.

The main symptom of course is inflammation. Both knees become swollen because rheumatoid arthritis is symmetrical. That is, it works evenly in the same way it affects both hands. Because of swollen knees basic tasks like walking from room to room are time-consuming and have to be done deliberately. Chronic inflammation can do permanent damage to the knees.

Knee Pain Relief

Knee pain relief first begins by directly tending to the knees themselves. Sometimes a compression wrap around the knees is enough. This prevents an edema from forming.

This type of knee pain relief should be coupled with rest. Ice on the knees is still a good staple solution for knee inflammation. Elevating the affected limb should also reduce swelling. And propping the leg on a comfortable pillow should do even better.

Knee pain causes issues, but a little attention and care can help reduce the setbacks on a person's lifestyle and schedule.

The previous article is on Degenerative Arthritis.

Always consult with your doctor or a certified professional trainer before undertaking any exercises, treatments, or dietary supplements.

Other wiki resources:  degenerative arthritis; arthritis knee pain; gout symptoms; joint pain; arthritis pain relief