If you are experiencing knee pain and stiffness, especially if you are 34M, you may be wondering if these could be signs of arthritis. Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can cause significant discomfort and mobility issues if left untreated.
If you have severe pain or swelling in a joint, your healthcare provider might perform a joint fluid analysis test. This test uses a needle to pull fluid from an affected joint. The fluid is then tested for signs of inflammation or infection.
Infectious, or septic, arthritis develops when an infection from another part of the body spreads to a joint. Typically, bacteria traveling through the bloodstream cause infectious arthritis, but fungi or viruses may also cause the condition. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.
What are the signs of arthritis in knees?
For advanced RA, you may need surgery to restore your mobility or lower the pain and stiffness in your knee joint. But the good news is treatment can relieve some of the symptoms. Treatment might even slow down or stop the disease from getting worse.
People with arthritis may feel pain in their joints due to inflammation. This may result in a person having difficulty performing everyday activities. Focus on stretching, range-of-motion exercises and gradual progressive strength training.
Include low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling or water exercises, to improve your mood and help control your weight. When cartilage is damaged, rough surfaces and bone spurs develop. As you move your joints, these irregular areas rub against each other. These symptoms can occur when you’ve lost some of the cartilage that helps with smooth range of motion. Bone spurs can also develop as the cartilage erodes and the bones rub together.
Some common signs of arthritis in the knees include:
Strategies, such as weight management and exercise, may help postpone or eliminate the need for surgery in the future. Post-traumatic arthritis can result from a torn meniscus, ligament injury, or knee fracture. A person can try several techniques to help prevent arthritis in the hands from becoming debilitating. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
- Pain and swelling in the knee joint
- Stiffness and difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- Cracking or popping sounds when moving the knee
- Decreased range of motion in the knee
Is there anything preventative I can do?
While arthritis is not always preventable, there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing the condition or slow its progression:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your knees
- Stay active and perform exercises that strengthen the muscles around your knees
- Eat a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish
- Avoid activities that put excessive strain on your knees, such as running on hard surfaces or lifting heavy weights improperly
If you are concerned about arthritis in your knees, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Remember, early intervention is key to managing arthritis and improving your quality of life.
