How Arthritis Destroys Your Knees
Cartilage Deterioration: The smooth, cushioning cartilage at the end of your bones starts to wear away.
1. Cartilage Injury and Repair – Yale Medicine
www.yalemedicine.org
Bone-on-Bone Friction: As cartilage thins, bones begin to rub directly against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. 1. Arthritis – NHS
www.nhs.uk
Bone Spurs: To compensate, the body may create bony growths (spurs) around the joint, further limiting movement. 1. Bone Spur: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – UPMC
www.upmc.com
Joint Instability: The damaged cartilage and bone spurs can lead to instability and difficulty bearing weight. 1. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee | Knee pain – Versus Arthritis
versusarthritis.org
Inflammation: The constant friction and damage trigger an inflammatory response, causing swelling and pain. 1. Osteoarthritis – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.org
Types of Arthritis Affecting Knees
While osteoarthritis is the most common, other types can also impact the knees:
Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that attacks the joint lining, leading to inflammation and cartilage damage. 1. Rheumatoid arthritis Information | Mount Sinai – New York
www.mountsinai.org
Psoriatic arthritis: Associated with psoriasis, it can cause joint inflammation and damage. 1. The Link Between Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis – WebMD
www.webmd.com
Gout: A type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup in the joints. 1. Gout – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.org
Understanding this process can help you appreciate the importance of managing arthritis to slow down its progression and protect your knees