"How Do I Know I Have Arthritis?"

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  Simply put, arthritis is the degeneration process of the cartilage covering of our joints. This cartilage is, by and large, irreplaceable. Consequently, as the surfaces wear down closer to the raw underlying bone, mobility becomes more difficult and symptoms worsen. This is especially true in the weight-bearing joints such as the knee.
  
  Symptoms associated with arthritis can vary in intensity from the very mild, in which case they may be no more than an occasional ache in the knee or a vague soreness, to the severe, where there is intense and unrelenting pain together with significant alterations in mobility. Even the simple activities of daily living can become difficult to impossible to perform.
  
  

"What Kind of Symptoms Might I Encounter?"

• In the early stages of arthritis of the knee, there may be episodes of soreness within the joint, perhaps after sitting too long, after climbing stairs or any prolonged activity such as working on your feet all day. Many times these symptoms can be relieved by adjusting activity, propping your feet up for a while or taking a couple of over-the- counter analgesics or anti-inflammatory medications. Many times, using some topical heat or pain-relieving product can give some reasonable relief as well.
  
  In the more severe forms of knee arthritis, mechanical symptoms can develop, usually due to increased and uneven degeneration of the cartilage surfaces of the joint. This process typically causes cracks and fissures to form in the cartilage, with the material eventually flaking off to float around inside the joint. Eventually, larger "potholes" can develop due to increased joint surface destruction.
  
  

"Why Does My Knee Feel Like It's Giving Out?"

• The mechanical symptoms that people often complain about can include, a "catching" in the knee when getting out of a chair, buckling sensations when negotiating stairs or painful "popping" when stepping and changing directions. If the arthritis is severe enough, the risk of falling can present a real health hazard and may necessitate the use of some assistive device such as a cane or walker.
  
  

"My Knee Is So Swollen and It Won't Bend Well."

• Another symptom of arthritis in the knee is swelling within the joint caused by the body's production of excess joint fluid. This is called "joint effusion." Excess amounts of this fluid can cause difficulty with bending of the knee and can be quite uncomfortable if extremely large amounts are present. Because our knees are lubricated and nourished by this fluid, a small amount present in the joint is quite normal. When the fluid buildup becomes so great that it restricts movement, it may have to be drained off.
  
  

"What Should I Do If I Have These Symptoms?"

• When symptoms reach beyond the mild to moderate stages, more definitive treatment is usually necessary such as the use of more potent pain relievers, possible cortisone injections into the joint, special arthritis "gel" injections or possibly the ultimate: surgical intervention. Consult your physician or health care professional for more information..