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Knee Arthritis
Osteoarthritis - a degenerative condition that affects the joints - is the most common type of arthritis that affects the knees. It is caused by the, mostly age-related, degeneration of the knee joint. Arthritis of the knee is not limited to older people, but may also manifest following an injury or result from overuse, such as carrying heavy loads, and high impact activities. Other types of arthritis - rheumatoid, inflammatory and psoriatic - though less common, may also affect the knees.
Arthritis of the knee joint can limit your activity and be seriously painful, particularly since your knees support the rest of your body when standing and are involved in walking and numerous other daily activities. You may also bend your knee joints many times as you sit or kneel - to garden, play with small children, do carpentry or participate in numerous other activities.
The primary treatment goal for those with arthritis of the knee is to alleviate pain to help you remain active. Always consult your Health Care Professional for a proper diagnosis, treatment and pain management recommendations.
Heat is a natural antidote to help ease arthritis pain, relax tense, painful muscles and increase the flow of blood to the area. The application of heat can be especially helpful prior to exercise - which is considered my many to be an important pain management strategy for those with arthritis. As your Health Care Professional will tell you, don't use heat if you have poor circulation or skin sensation
If you occasionally have a flare-up of your arthritis, the application of cold during the first couple of days may help dull the pain, but be careful not to overdo it. If you have poor circulation or numbness, do not apply cold.
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