Osteoarthritis Doctor Mesa, AZ



Osteoarthritis Doctor Mesa, AZ

What Is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis Doctor Mesa, AZOsteoarthritis is the type of arthritis that is most common, and the knee is one of the most affected joints. Joints typically go through cycles of damage and repair as a person uses them, but sometimes the body’s process to repair the joints can cause changes in their structure and shape. At Life Care Chiropractic, we know that when these changes happen, it is indicative of osteoarthritis. In this case, an osteoarthritis doctor in Mesa, AZ should be sought for the alleviation of pain and discomfort. 

What Is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

When two or more bones meet together, they form a joint. In the case of the knee joint, the shin and thigh bones come together. A small bone on the front of the knee is also involved in the structure of the knee joint. This small bone is called the patella, or kneecap.

Cartilage is a smooth, slippery surface that covers the ends of bones. Cartilage enables the bones to rub against each other without friction when the joint moves. It also protects the joint from stress. The knee also has two specialized rings of a type of cartilage called the meniscus, which helps to distribute the body weight evenly across the knee joint. There is cartilage underneath the kneecap as well.

The degenerative wear and tear of osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in the knee joint to become thin and the joint surfaces to become rougher. When these changes occur, the knee doesn’t move as smoothly and efficiently as it should, and it might feel stiff and painful.

As an osteoarthritis doctor in Mesa, AZ might tell you, osteoarthritis can affect people of all ages, but it’s more frequently seen in women over 50. Trauma, injuries, or other joint problems can also increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. Genetic predispositions passed down from parents can also cause some people to be more at risk of osteoarthritis.

Additionally, excess body weight can be a significant contributing factor in osteoarthritis of the knees, since extra weight causes added stress and strain on the knees.

How Do I Know If I Have Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

A knee with osteoarthritis will likely feel painful and stiff at times. It may primarily affect one knee joint, especially if you’ve injured that one in the past. Or, you could have it in both knees. The pain may feel worse near the end of the day, or when you move your knee, or when you rise from a sitting or lying position. It may improve with rest, as well as, asking an arthritis doctor in Mesa, AZ to treat it. 

You may also feel pain all around your knee, or only in a particular place, like the front or side. Moving your knee in one specific way or at an angle may exacerbate pain. Lifting and bending the leg to go up or down stairs may also be painful.

You might find that your knee doesn’t move as easily or extend as far as normal. Or, it might crackle, pop, click, crunch, or creak as you move it. Some people can have pain that prevents them from sleeping comfortably, or that wakes them at night. You’ll likely find that the pain comes and goes and that you have good and bad days.

Schedule an Appointment with an Osteoarthritis Doctor in Mesa, AZ 

There are other indications of osteoarthritis that an osteoarthritis doctor in Mesa, AZ  can use to diagnose a painful knee. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today.