Patellofemoral Arthritis: Arthritis in Knee Cap

If you have a desk job, you’re probably familiar with bouts of pain in the knees and lower back. Be it just one ailment or both, if there is one thing that can make your everyday life a living nightmare, it’s knee joint pain.

Usually, people in their early adulthood don’t think they’re susceptible to arthritis and tend to brush away the pain. However, arthritis in the kneecap can develop over time. The moment the joint’s cartilage gets inflamed, it can give way to swelling, cracking sounds, and the knee locking, making it difficult to move. This ultimately leads to patellofemoral arthritis.

But what exactly causes arthritis in the knees, and can you get rid of it? To learn more about this condition, keep reading this blog.

What is Patellofemoral Arthritis?

Patellofemoral arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the underside of your kneecap, known as the patella. However, despite taking place under your knee, the pain usually emanates at the front of the knee. This happens when the patella wears out, which causes the knee joint to rub against the femur, creating friction and pain.

Early Knee Arthritis Symptoms

The biggest identification factor of patellofemoral arthritis is sharp knee pain. Typically this pain occurs when you are sitting stationary. But it can get worse after movement, especially if you climb stairs or walk up an incline. Basically, any activity that puts pressure on your kneecap is triggering. Nevertheless, here are some of the most common symptoms of arthritis in the kneecap:

Stiff knees
Swollen kneecaps
A cracking sound every time you move your knees
Knee locking in place
Having difficulty moving your legs
A dull throb pulsing within your knees at all times, especially when they are folded.

Causes of Kneecap Arthritis

There are numerous reasons that can give birth to patellofemoral arthritis, including:

Osteoarthritis or any other pre-existing symptoms of arthritis.
Knee Dysplasia
Misaligned Kneecaps
Obesity
Age
Joint overuse from moving around too much all of a sudden
History of dislocated or a fractured kneecap
Underlying autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Can Arthritis in The Knee Cap Be Treated?

Even though you can’t eliminate all signs of arthritis in the kneecap, there are still ways to treat and ease the pain. Depending on the severity of your condition, you might require surgical treatment or a nonsurgical alternative. For instance, for non-surgical treatments, expert rheumatologists suggest the following options:

Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
Regular Exercise
Avoid using the stairs
Weight Loss
Cortisone Injections
Physical Therapy

On the other hand, if the pain you feel is unbearable, you may have to undergo surgery to treat the specific problem area. Consult with your doctor for more information.

In Summary

All in all, arthritis in the kneecap is quite common. Whether you developed it due to a sedentary lifestyle or overusing your knee joints, the pain is there to last. That is unless you take the necessary precautions to treat the condition.

For further inquiries, contact Rheumatology Care at 13688 Breton Ridge St, STE H, Houston, TX 77070, near Houston Kidney Specialists Center. You can also give us a ring by dialing 832-532-9779 to schedule an appointment beforehand.