Arthritis

Knee arthritis is a common and often painful condition affecting the knee joint, leading to stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. The two primary types of knee arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory arthritis.

Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form, is a degenerative condition often associated with aging. In OA, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint gradually wears down, causing bones to rub against each other. This leads to pain, stiffness, and joint inflammation, especially during movement. OA in the knee can be accelerated by factors such as obesity, previous knee injuries, or genetics. Over time, symptoms may progress, impacting activities like walking or climbing stairs.

Inflammatory arthritis in the knee, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues. This immune response creates chronic inflammation in the joint, leading to pain, swelling, and joint damage over time. Unlike OA, which is more mechanical, inflammatory arthritis causes pain that may be worse in the morning or after resting

Treatment for both OA and inflammatory arthritis may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and in advanced cases, surgical options like knee replacement. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms, preserving joint function, and maintaining mobility.

Fractures

Knee fractures are serious injuries in which bones around the knee joint, particularly the patella or kneecap, the femur or thighbone, and the tibia or shinbone, break. Normally, such fractures result from high-impact trauma, such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries that can dramatically affect knee function and mobility.

There are types of knee fractures: stable-one where the bones remain aligned, displaced-where bone fragments are misaligned, and comminuted-where the bone may shatter in more than two pieces. Symptoms generally include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight on the knee.

It is diagnosed by clinical examination and imaging studies such as X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Management has different modes according to the type of fracture: some fractures only require immobilization by a brace or a cast, while others necessitate surgical interventions like fixation with screws and plates. Rehabilitation, after the union of the fracture, is necessary with physical therapy to regain strength and knee function.

Knee Infections

Septic arthritis of the knee is also referred to as knee infection. In this condition, the invasion of bacteria, fungi, or viruses into the knee joint causes it to become severely inflamed, ache, and swell. The most frequent bacterial sources causing these infections involve Staphylococcus aureus. These infections may reach the knee via blood after an injury or surgery, or due to a particular trauma to the knee area.

Symptoms of a knee infection are sudden severe knee pain, redness, warmth, swelling, and fever. Infections within the knee can lead to an aggressive destruction of the cartilage and the joint structures themselves if not treated promptly. There is an increased risk for those patients who have weakened immune systems, uncontrolled diabetes, or recent joint surgeries.

Ligament Injury in Knee Disorders

Knee ligament injuries, such as tears in the ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL, can result from sports, accidents, or sudden impacts, causing pain, swelling, and instability. Dr. Sandeep Gupta provides expert assessment and treatment options, including both non-surgical and surgical techniques, to help patients regain knee stability and strength, allowing them to safely return to their daily activities and sports.