Knee arthritis is a very painful form of arthritis. There are three types of arthritis that cause knee arthritis. The three basic types of arthritis, which causes knee arthritis, are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post traumatic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative disease that progresses slowly in which the cartilages gradually deteriorate. This disease is most common in middle aged and elderly people.

Rheumatoid arthritis is inflammatory form of arthritis. This disease easily destroys the joint cartilages of knees. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone at any given age.

Posttraumatic arthritis

Posttraumatic arthritis normally happens after a sever injury to the knees. This normally developed after several years of obtaining a fracture, meniscus tear or ligament injury.

Symptoms of knee arthritis

Normally the symptoms of knee arthritis happens gradually though there are certain times that the onset of pain can be sudden

Some of the common symptoms are:

Stiff knees
Swollen knees
Pain which is common after long period of inactivity
Swelling
The feeling of locking of knees

Diagnosis of Knee arthritis

Knee arthritis in the knees is diagnosed through three different methods. These methods may include:

Physical examination which may involve checking how you walk and any presence of tenderness and swelling
Radiology exams to determine loss of joint space in the knees
Blood test in order to determine the presence of rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment of knee arthritis

Treatment of knee arthritis can be divided in four major methods. The four major methods may include:

Lifestyle change - lifestyle change is very important in treatment of knee arthritis. Some important factors in lifestyle change should include losing weight, exercise and walking. Most people who have knee arthritis are an overweight or obese person that is why it is important that they reduce weight because loosing several pounds can decrease the level of pain and can increase mobility.
Physical Therapy and Exercise - physical therapy and right exercises are known to be effective in decreasing the level of pain in the knee arthritis. It is important that you asked your doctor which type of exercises is right for you to avoid damaging your knees.
Supportive devices - use of supportive devices like canes, knee sleeves or braces can help in supporting the knees and avoiding too much strain on it. Using supportive devices are proven to decrease the pain in the affected knees.
Drugs - use of drugs varies from one patient to another. Do not just take medicines without consulting your medical health provider because one arthritis drug that is good to your husband may not actually work for you.
Ask your doctor to know which drugs or pain relievers you can use. Tell your doctor if you have existing medical condition aside from knee arthritis especially if you have abdominal problems because some pain relievers can cause stomach irritation.
Warm compress - use of warm compress are effective in giving relief to the arthritis pain in the knees.
Surgery - surgery is the last option and it is usually given to relieve too much pain on the affected knees.