Can you tell me what the treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis Knee Pain is?
First, let’s discuss Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Did you know that RA affects 1.3 million Americans. It is a chronic autoimmune disease for which there is not cure. Arthritis affects women more than men because most women have the stressors of working outside the home, dealing with the children and their schedules, and the households duties. Women are usually on their feet more and for longer periods of time than men. There are many ways to treat RA knee pain. The key is to catch it early, but usually this does not happen. With the right lifestyle modifictions, diet, and medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis, the symptoms can be treated.
To understand arthritis of the knee, one must know and understand what the parts are and their function. The knee joint may look like a simple joint; however, it is one of the most complex in your body. It is the largest joint in the body and the easiest to injure. The knee is essentially made up of four bones – femur, tibia, fibula, and patella. The four bones are connected by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The femur and tibia meet and form a hinge joint. This hinge joint is protected by the patella. The articular cartilage cushions the knee joint. The tendons connect muscle to bone. The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that decreases friction. If irritated, the sac can fill with fluid and become large. Synovium is the thin tissue between two pieces of joint cartilage and prevents rubbing. It secretes fluid to lubricate and can become inflamed. There are two meniscus to further cushions the joint and act like a shock absorber. The ligaments provide stability.
What are the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms of knee pain?
There are numerous rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The main symptoms being that the joint can present tender, warm, and swollen. Ther canbe limited range of motion (ROM). The skin over the affected area can appear taunt and shiny. The pain can be either symmertrical or assymertical and excessive aching to the joints with exercise.
How do you treat RA knee pain?
There are numerous rheumatoid arthritis treatments.The most common one being “RICE:” Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. Of course, medications will be used along with physical therapy and others.
How do you diagnose RA knee pain?
Blood studies, x-rays, MRI, and fluid samples to name a few.
What surgeries are performed for RA knee pain? Surgeries performed can be a partial or total knee replacement. ACL reconstruction and cartilage repair are 2 more.
This is just an introduction to the causes, symptoms, and treatment for rheumatoid arthritis knee pain.