Arthritis Knee Pain – Part 1 - Health Plus Digest

Knee pain is an extremely common complaint among older men and women. There are many causes, not the least of which is osteoarthritis which affects over 27 million Americans. Some of the more common causes of knee pain include the already mentioned arthritis, ligamental injuries, cartilaginous injuries, patellar tendinitis, dislocated kneecap, bursitis and Baker’s cyst. Less common conditions such as gout, Osgood-Schlatters and osteochondritis – the previous two seen almost exclusively in adolescence- will cause knee pain. (1)

The knee is a hinge joint formed by two bones and held together by four ligaments. The kneecap covers the ventral side of knee, enabling a friction free pain free movement. The joint is surrounded by a membrane that produces a fluid which helps to nourish the cartilage and keep the area slippery. Between the bones in the upper leg and the lower leg, which meet at the knee, is cartilage. This cartilage also helps to cushion the joint and create a friction free motion.

Even if you are only moderately overweight, it can put excessive forces on the knee causing significant wear and tear that can result in osteoarthritis. Research has shown that during walking the hips, knees and ankles will bear up to five times a person’s total weight in force. This means that for every pound of extra weight a person carries another 5 pounds is added to each knee during walking. Contrast this with a 10 pound weight loss being equivalent to 50 pounds of extra stress relieved from the joints.

References:

(1) Medline Plus: Knee Pain

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003187.htm

(2)Trends in Molecular Medicine: Recent Advances in the Genetic Investigation of Osteoarthritis

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15823757

(3) NHS Choices: Osteoarthritis – Symptoms

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Osteoarthritis/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

(4) Johns Hopkins Medicine health Library: Osteoarthritis

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/arthritis_and_other_rheumatic_diseases/osteoarthritis_85,P00061/

(5) American College of Rheumatology: Women with Strong Thigh Muscles Protected from Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

http://www.rheumatology.org/about/newsroom/2009/2009_08_06.asp

(6) Annal of Rheumatic Diseases: Aerobic Walking or Strengthening Exercise for Osteoarthritis of the Knee