How Arthritis Affect the Strength of the Knee Joints

There are two common types of arthritis that affect the strength of the knee joints. They are either Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Although the conditions can happen at any age, most people who do experience arthritis do so as they grow older.

Osteoarthritis in the knees occur when cartilage tissue surrounding the knees degenerate. Once the cartilage is partially, or completely gone, the bones rub against each other and cause excruciating pain or eventual bone deterioration. It is best to do warm-up and stretching exercises to get the blood flowing before engaging in the actual strength training workout or fitness routine. This is also true for the other synovial joints.

According to Davi-Ellen Chabner, BA, MAT, “Freely movable joints are called synovial joints. Synovial joints are the ball and socket type (the hip and shoulder joints) and the hinge type (elbow, knee, and ankle joints).”

Synovial joints have synovial fluid between the bones and cartilage and serve as a lubricant to prevent abrasion between the bones and cartilage. This helps to minimize the affect of Osteoarthritis.

The second form of arthritis that is discussed is the Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an attack by the body’s immune system against the body. The white blood cells (leukocytes) are produced inside of the bones. They are designed to find and get rid of any foreign matter in the body. When they detect that the body has a virus or a disease they release onto the infected area. This makes Rheumatoid Arthritis an abnormal condition because the white blood cells are attacking the healthy body.

The attack leads to swelling, stiffness, and/or pain in the knee area. This arthritis attack can happen to all bone joints throughout the body although this writing is just comparing arthritis conditions that can exist in the knees.

Arthritis can be help in some cases with rest. If you do heavy squats everyday or if you run ten miles every day, rest may be your best medicine. Also, some other simple remedies may be to use knee bands or braces or change up your routines more often.

In the early stages, a remedy may be as simple as an over-the-counter painkiller or anti-inflammatory medicine. Unfortunately, in the advanced stages arthritis can lead to surgery or a life full of pain and containment.

Prevention is the key!

References:
Chabner, Davi-Ellen, BA, MAT. The Language of Medicine. 8th Ed, 2007. pg 582.
About.Com. http://video.about.com/arthritis/Chronic-Rheumatism-Knee.htm
About.Com. http://video.about.com/arthritis/Arthritis.htm
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Knee_Problems/knee_problems_ff.asp