Arthritis is a general term for joint inflammation, but it includes different conditions, with osteoarthritis being the most common type affecting the knee. Osteoarthritis (OA) results from the cartilage in the knee wearing down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It’s often due to aging, obesity, or previous injuries. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joint lining, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness, along with systemic symptoms like fatigue and fever.
Other types include post-traumatic arthritis, which develops after a knee injury, causing similar symptoms to OA but often at a younger age. Gout, caused by uric acid crystals accumulating in the joint, leads to sudden, severe pain and swelling. Psoriatic arthritis, linked to the skin condition psoriasis, also causes knee pain and stiffness.
The key difference lies in their causes: OA is due to wear and tear, while other forms, like RA, involve inflammation from immune system issues or other triggers. Recognizing these differences is essential for proper treatment and management.
