Knee Arthritis

MENISCUS

Meniscus is the cushion between the shin and thigh bone which protects articular cartilage. Meniscus is commonly injured during sporting activity, fall or any twisting injury. It can also tear as part of wear and tear in the knee

Meniscal tears can be painful needing key hole surgery ( arthroscopy ) where part of torn meniscus is either resected ( removed) or repaired.

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS ? [ OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) & RHEUMATOID (RA)]

A. Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritisis the most common form of arthritis, It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Years of normal use can cause articular cartilage to crack and wear away. As the ends of the bones rub against each other they become rough and pitted, and eventually the cartilage may wear away altogether. This results in stiffness, pain and loss of function.

1. Being overweight, or having alignment problems, (e.g. bow legs or knocked knees) puts extra stress on the joint, which may speed up the damage process.
2. According to the WHO osteoarthritis affects half the world’s population over the age of 65. The causes are not well understood. Ageing is the factor most strongly associated with OA. Genetic factors are among the major causes.
3. Onset of OA can also occur as a secondary effect of injury. For example, a bad fall, blow to the knee, previous fracture, or ligamentous injury can injure the articular cartilage leading to OA.

B.Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

This is an inflammatory joint disease. It can cause swelling in the joint lining. It usually affects multiple joints throughout the body. As the disease progresses, the articular cartilage is destroyed and, eventually, the bone itself is also affected. Joints are usually painful, hot, swollen and stiff.