What Are the Causes of Arthritis Knee Pain?
The primary cause of arthritis knee pain is the deterioration of cartilage in the knee joint, which leads to friction between the bones. This can happen over time as part of the natural aging process, or it can be accelerated by certain risk factors. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears down, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Injuries, such as fractures or torn cartilage from trauma or repetitive motion, can also increase the risk of developing arthritis. For example, athletes or individuals who perform repetitive movements that put pressure on the knee joint are at a higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis, another significant cause of arthritis knee pain, is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues lining the joints, leading to inflammation. Over time, this can cause damage to the knee joint and surrounding tissues. Other types of inflammatory arthritis, such as gout or psoriatic arthritis, can also cause pain and swelling in the knee joint. Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in the joints, forming crystals that cause intense pain, swelling, and redness, while psoriatic arthritis is linked to the skin condition psoriasis and causes joint inflammation. In addition to these conditions, obesity, joint malalignment, genetic factors, and age-related wear and tear are contributing factors to arthritis knee pain.
