Rheumatoid arthritis vs. osteoarthritis: War of the knee pain

The demand for total knee replacements increases every year and is set to significantly outstrip the demand for total hip replacements in the future. It has been estimated that the number of total knee replacements performed will increase by 200% in the next ten years. This increased demand is due to several factors: firstly, more knee replacements are performed in women than men for all ages. There is a clear link between obesityExcess accumulation of fat in the body. and osteoarthritisA disease mainly of the large joints of the body, as a result of wear and tear of the surface cartilage. of the knee and obesity is more prevalent in women than men. Secondly, the cases of meniscal surgery to the knee following injury has increased which, in turn, increases the future risk of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis of the hip is very rare in a number of different ethnic groups whereas osteoarthritis of the knee is not.

The ankle is the most commonly injured joint in the body. This is related to increasing participation in sport, as well as people leading a generally more active lifestyle. Accordingly we are seeing more ankle fractures and sprains presenting to our Accident and Emergency departments. Whilst the majority of these injuries heal uneventfully, a small proportion of patients will go on to develop ‘wear and tear’ or ankle arthritisInflammation of one or more joints of the body.. Although not as common as hip and knee arthritis, ankle arthritis has steadily become more common, and the upward trend is still continuing.

The objective of this article is to introduce different knee injuries and conditions, the processes that have occurred in these conditions, and how AposTherapy, a novel non-surgical treatment modality can address the underlying causes. As a Chartered Physiotherapist I have experience working for a professional football club and then for the past three years have worked with AposTherapy. My main interest and area of expertise is knee conditions. I am fortunate to work closely with like-minded professionals who have fantastic clinical skills and at the same time work to develop strong links with some of the world's best healthcare professionals throughout the capital. We all strive to provide the best solution for our patients, whatever the knee complaint may be.

Partial knee replacement is a viableCapable of survival. surgical treatment option in some patients with isolated degenerative joint disease, when wear is confined to a particular area of the knee and the remainder of the articular cartilage is in good condition. Surgical treatment for degenerative conditions of the knee can include arthroscopic knee surgery (keyhole surgeryA type of minimally invasive surgery.), osteotomyA surgical procedure whereby bone is cut or broken to straighten, shorten or lengthen the bone. (cut is made in bone to improve alignment), partial and total knee replacement.

This article aims to provide an understanding of the biomechanics involved in the knee and explains how a non-invasiveAny test or technique that does not involve penetration of the skin. The term 'non-invasive' may also describe tumours that do not invade surrounding tissues. biomechanical adjustment of the joint may be a better option than surgery. This looks at the modern management of knee pain treatment and helps patients avoid the need for surgery.

There can be few amongst us who has not wrenched or twisted our knee, either in normal day-to-day activities, for example, slipping on the stairs or on a slippery pavement, or whilst engaged in sporting activity. Some apparently minor accidents can result in significant soft tissueA group of cells with a similar structure and a specialised function. injury, (to ligaments, muscles and tendons) and some apparently major injuries may not. Most of the time however, the severity of the accident will determine the severity of the soft tissue damage.

Total knee replacement has become an increasingly frequently performed procedure and although it has always been perceived as lagging behind total hip replacements both numerically and in terms of results, there are now more knee replacements performed annually in the UK than total hip replacements. The knee joint is undoubtedly a more complex joint than the hip and results in terms of function and satisfaction have to be considered in the light of this.