Osteoarthritis
While osteoarthritis can form anywhere there is a joint in the body, it happens rather frequently in the knees. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) in the United States found that more than 33-percent of Americans older than 65 years have osteoarthritis to some extent. This degenerative joint disease begins as cartilage disintegrates from wear and tear and aging. The bone margins start to overgrow with osteocytes, increasing bone density. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include previous knee injuries, female gender, age, and obesity.
Most people find that osteoarthritis pain in the knee is relieved with rest. The condition worsens after 30 minutes of continuous activity and results in symptoms such as crepitus (grinding), swelling, limping, and pain. Topical pain relief does soothe the affected joints, but sometimes weight loss and an anti-inflammatory diet can help as well. Depending on the severity, some people have to either get steroid injections or total knee replacements.
