Causes And Natural Home Remedies for Arthritis in Knees: What You Should Know
What are the causes of arthritis in the knees?
Arthritis in the knees can be caused by various factors. The prominent types of arthritis disease that really affect the knees are called “osteoarthritis” and the other one is called “rheumatoid arthritis”. Here's a brief overview of these two main causes:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most prevalent form of arthritis that affects the knees. It occurs when the protective cartilage that covers the ends of bones in a joint gradually wears down over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones may rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and decreased joint mobility. Osteoarthritis is often associated with aging, but it can also result from joint injuries or repetitive stress on the knee joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (the lining of the membranes that surround the joints). The inflammation caused by this immune response can eventually lead to damage to the cartilage and bones within the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints, including the knees, and may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and joint deformities.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
This type of arthritis can develop following a severe knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear. The injury may disrupt the normal joint mechanics, leading to joint damage and eventual arthritis.
Inflammatory Arthritis
Besides rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory conditions like psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and reactive arthritis can also affect the knees. Inflammatory arthritis involves inflammation and joint damage resulting from the body's immune response.
Infection
In some cases, a bacterial or viral infection in the knee joint can lead to infectious arthritis, causing inflammation and damage.
Metabolic Conditions
Conditions like gout can cause arthritis in the knees when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joint, leading to inflammation and pain.
Genetic Predisposition
Some of the human bodies in the people may also have a genetic predisposition to causing knee arthritis.
It's essential to note that age, family history, obesity, previous knee injuries, and certain occupational or sports-related activities can also contribute to the development of knee arthritis. Additionally, there may be cases where the exact cause of knee arthritis remains unclear.
If you experience knee pain, stiffness, or swelling, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help improve outcomes and quality of life for those with arthritis in the knees.
Are there any natural home remedies for arthritis in knees that are advised by doctors and have no side effects or complications of long-term usage?
While there is perhaps no cure for arthritis, there are some natural home remedies and lifestyle changes that doctors may recommend to help manage arthritis symptoms, particularly in the knees.
These approaches can be used in combination with any prescribed medications or treatments and are generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, it's always essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments, even natural remedies, to ensure they are appropriate for your specific condition. Here are some commonly advised home remedies for knee arthritis:
Daily Exercise
Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling can help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, providing support and reducing pain.
Body Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate pressure on the knees and reduce pain.
Hot and Cold Therapy
It has also been observed effective that taking a warm bath or applying a hot compress can assist relaxation of the human muscles and ease their stiffness. Cold packs can be used to reduce inflammation and numb the area to alleviate pain.
Topical Pain Relief
Over-the-counter creams or gels containing ingredients like menthol, capsaicin, or salicylates can provide temporary pain relief.
Dietary Supplements
Some studies suggest that certain supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce arthritis symptoms. However, the evidence is mixed, and it's crucial to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may provide relief for some people with knee arthritis. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerves and release natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
TENS therapy involves using a small device to deliver low-level electrical currents to the affected area, which may help reduce pain.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can provide exercises and techniques to improve knee function and reduce pain.
Assistive Devices
Using knee braces or other assistive devices can help support the knee joint and reduce strain during daily activities.
It's important to remember that the effectiveness of these remedies can vary from person to person, and not all of them may work for everyone.
Additionally, while natural remedies generally have fewer side effects than medications, it's still possible for some people to experience allergic reactions or other adverse effects. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for managing knee arthritis based on your individual needs and medical history.
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Thank you for this informative post on natural remedies for arthritis in the knee. I think nature care is the best solution for any problem, I was suffering from arthritis in my knee for a long time then I decided to take naturopathy medicine for this and I visited best naturopathy center in Pune for my treatment. After taking a few months of treatment I got so much relief from arthritis in my knee.
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