The bone ends of a joint are covered with a smooth material called cartilage. The cartilage cushions the bone and allows the joint to move easily without pain. A fibrous envelope called the synovium, which produces a fluid that helps to reduce friction and wear in a joint, encloses the joint. Ligaments connect the bones and keep the joint stable. Muscles and tendons power the joint and enable it to move.

Three basic types of arthritis that may affect the knee joints:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. OA is usually a slowly progressive degenerative disease in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. It most often affects middle-aged and older people.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can destroy the joint cartilage. RA can occur at any age, and generally affects multiple joints.

Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after an injury. This type of arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis and may arise years after a fracture or ligament injury.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Generally, the pain associated with arthritis develops gradually. The joint may become stiff and swollen, making it difficult to move the knee or shoulder. With most forms of arthritis, pain may increase after activities such as walking, stair climbing or kneeling. The pain may often cause a feeling of weakness resulting in a "locking" or "giving-way." Many people report that changes in the weather also affect the degree of pain from arthritis.

X-rays typically show a loss of joint space in the affected joint. Blood tests and special imaging tests may be needed to diagnose RA. RA is typically diagnosed and treated by your primary care physician or a rheumatologist.

Knee Treatment Options

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In its early stages, arthritis of the knee is treated with conservative, non surgical measures. Helpful lifestyle modifications include losing excess weight, choose to swim or cycle instead of running or jumping exercises, and minimize activities that aggravate the condition, such as climbing stairs.

Exercises can help increase leg muscle strength, range of motion and flexibility. Supportive devices such as a cane, energy-absorbing shoes or inserts, or wearing a brace or knee sleeve can also be helpful.

Other measures may include applications of heat or ice, water exercises, liniments or elastic bandages.

Several types of drugs can be used to treat arthritis of the knee. Because patients' responses to medications vary greatly, your doctor will develop a program for your specific condition.

• Anti-inflammatory medications can include aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce swelling in the joint.


• Glucosamine and chondroitin (kon-dro’-i-tin) sulfate are oral supplements commonly taken to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. Although their effectiveness has not been proven scientifically, many patients report excellent pain relief.


• Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can be injected into the joint. Cortisone Injections- Local treatment of inflammation in small area such as a joint (arthritis), bursa (bursitis), tendon(tendinitis), and myofascial pain.

• Hyaluronate (hi-a-lou’-ron-ate) therapy consists of a series of injections designed to change the character of the joint fluid. Hyalgan Injection - Works for knee pain caused by 
  osteoarthritis which is not relieved by anti-inflammatory or pain

• Book on how to Avoid Knee Surgery - Written by a physician. How to Prevent Knee Surgery. 

If your arthritis does not respond to these types of treatments, surgery may be another option.

Injections that can provide relief for certain types of arthritis in knees and shoulders and prevention. Click the red link for more information. 

• Cortisone injections
• Hyalgan Injections 
• Arthroscopic surgery uses fiber optic technology to enable the surgeon to see inside the joint and clean it of debris or repair torn cartilage.
• An osteotomy cuts the leg bone (tibia) or the thighbone (femur) to improve the alignment of the knee joint.
• A total or partial knee arthroplasty replaces the severely damaged knee joint cartilage. See new, customized partial knee replacement surgery options for arthritis
• Cartilage grafting is possible for some knees with limited or contained cartilage loss from trauma or arthritis.