Healthremedy123.com – The first step to diagnosis for Rheumatoid Arthritas in the Knees is to determine the cause of the pain. A physical examination can reveal any symptoms of RA, including swelling, stiffness, or joint erosion. Blood tests may also reveal inflammatory markers and the presence of rheumatoid factor, which is present in about 80 percent of people with the condition. Ultrasound may also be used to identify the quality of synovial tissue, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Patients with unusual knee pain and stiffness can also undergo ultrasound tests to determine the presence of osteoarthritis. X-rays may be necessary to identify deterioration of the bones or joints of the knee.
Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knee
Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knees may consist of various medications. Your doctor will discuss the side effects, dosage, and drug interactions to help you decide what treatment will be most beneficial for your condition. In many cases, early treatment is crucial to avoiding knee surgery and getting back to a normal life. The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knees include difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and creaking sound when moving the knee.
While the cause of Rheumatoid Arthritas in the Knees is still not clear, it is widely believed to be caused by excess weight, injury, and repetitive motion. Osteoarthritis is more common in women than in men. Studies continue to explore autoimmune triggers and developmental abnormalities as possible causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Knees.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects approximately 20 million people in the United States. This condition damages cartilage in the knee – similar to the rubber tread on an automobile tire. The cartilage breakdown causes inflammation and debilitating pain. It is also a progressive degenerative disease and affects both knees simultaneously. It is often inherited.
Use of Drugs to Control Inflammation and Slow Disease Progress
Treatment for rheumatoid Arthritic knees is often non-surgical. Injections of corticosteroids can help ease the pain associated with RA. Patients must consult a doctor if they experience severe pain. They may also take other medications to control the inflammation and slow the progression of the disease. In some cases, the inflammation may even lead to permanent disability.
Nonspecific symptoms may precede other RA symptoms by weeks or months, suggesting ongoing disease activity. One troubling symptom of RA is fatigue. Patients may experience a pattern of symptoms that waxes and wanes throughout the day. However, fever is usually a low grade temperature. Patients taking biologic treatments or immunosuppressive drugs should be monitored for higher fevers. The severity of these symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection.
Aside from prescription medications, other treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis include surgery or joint replacement. In some cases, surgeons may replace a joint completely or part of it. This type of surgery, known as arthroplasty, requires several days in the hospital and months of rehabilitation. Surgery may be required in extreme cases, however it can significantly reduce pain and swelling.
The Last Choice for Treatment is with Surgery
Surgery is the last resort for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knees. Surgical procedures are usually required when the damage is severe, and the patient cannot continue physical activities. However, it is usually the last resort for many people with this condition. Once the surgery is performed, it can reduce pain and restore joint function. It may be necessary to alter the diet or take some medications.
Massage is an important treatment option for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knees. Physiotherapy exercises help patients deal with the pain and increase muscle strength and joint flexibility. A tailored exercise program is often a combination of face-to-face sessions with a therapist and at-home exercises. Massage is also effective for reducing pain. An electrical stimulation device, known as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), is commonly used for this purpose.
Pain in the knee is a primary symptom of Rheumatoid Arthrritis in Knees. The pain may be localized and radiates to the surrounding area. The affected joint may also feel stiff, and its surrounding skin may be red or swollen. Rheumatoid Arthritis in Knees symptoms can be a sign of degenerative arthritis. We are happy to receive guest post submissions from you.
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