What's Causing Your Knee Pain? Health Article

What's Causing Your Knee Pain?

If you're experiencing frequent pain or stiffness, it's important to find out why - because it may be a form of arthritis.

There are many types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. But the most common type is osteoarthritis (OA), which creates a loss of cartilage and damages the cushioning fluid in the knee joint. The following information can provide you with more insight into OA of the knee, the symptoms, and how to know if you're at risk. But most important, be sure to talk to your doctor to find out for sure what is causing your knee pain.

What is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a disease that causes a breakdown of the cartilage and a reduction in the effectiveness of the joint fluid. This can make bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and loss of movement in the joint. By contrast, in a healthy knee the cartilage and lubricating joint fluid protect and cushion the bones, making moving and bending easy.

OA is the most common joint condition worldwide. In America alone, more than 21 million people suffer from osteoarthritis; more than 14 million of those are estimated to have OA of the knee. Affecting the mobility and flexibility of your joints, OA can be very mild or so severe that it limits your everyday activities.

What Are the Symptoms?

OA of the knee usually develops slowly and gradually worsens over time. Symptoms can develop in one or both knees, and the pain can range from mild to very severe. You may experience:

• Pain during movement and even at rest
• A grating sensation in the joint during movement
• Stiffness after periods of rest
• Joint swelling
• Loss of range of movement
• Loss of coordination
• Weakened posture due to pain and stiffness

The symptoms of OA are treatable, especially in the early stages of the disease. If you have pain or stiffness in one or both knees, contact your doctor to find out if you have OA.

To learn more about OA of the knee and a treatment option called SYNVISC click here to request a FREE Knee Pain Relief Packet.

OA Risk factors: Am I at Risk?

There is no one cause of OA of the knee, but certain factors may put you at higher risk for developing the condition.

These include:

• Age - your chance of getting OA of the knee increases with age; most people develop the condition after age 45
• Obesity - extra weight puts strain on the knees
• Gender - certain kinds of OA are more common in women
• Heredity - inherited traits can affect the shape and stability of the joints
• Injury or overuse - previous knee injuries and activities that involve a lot of bending can increase your risk

If you have any of these OA risk factors, talk to your doctor about your knee pain.

Early diagnosis: The First Critical Step

If you have OA of the knee, you're likely to have some good days and some bad days. But one thing is for sure - the pain will eventually return. And if left untreated, your pain won't just continue, it's likely to grow worse. Now for the good news: OA of the knee is treatable, especially when you see your doctor and get an early diagnosis.

Be proactive. Get diagnosed.

Early diagnosis is the key to getting the relief you need. That's why, the sooner you talk to your doctor about knee pain, the better. When you meet with your doctor, he or she can perform an assessment of your symptoms and develop a treatment program that's right for you. There are many different treatments that can reduce or even eliminate OA knee pain. Click here to read about the top 6 treatment options for OA of the Knee.

What to expect at your doctor's visit.

While there is no specific test for osteoarthritis, there are many tools that physicians use to diagnose knee pain. When you go in for your visit, your doctor is likely to take a medical history and perform a physical exam. To make a diagnosis, your doctor may also use lab tests, joint aspiration, or imaging techniques, like x-rays.

If your doctor finds that you do have OA of the knee, there are many different options that can be used to reduce OA knee pain. Again, the key is early diagnosis. So why continue to live with discomfort? Talk to your doctor so you can get on the appropriate treatment program - and get on with your life.

This article is brought to you by SYNVISC. If you have Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, SYNVISC treatment may be able to provide you with up to 6 months of knee pain relief. To learn more about SYNVISC, click here for a FREE Knee Pain Relief Packet.

Important Safety Information

SYNVISC is used to relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis (OA). It is for patients who do not get enough relief from simple painkillers such as acetaminophen, or from exercise and physical therapy.

SYNVISC is generally well tolerated. However, it may not work for everyone. The side effects most commonly seen when SYNVISC is injected into the knee were pain, swelling and/or fluid buildup around the knee. Cases where the swelling is extensive or painful should be discussed with your doctor. Other side effects such as rash have been reported rarely. Before trying SYNVISC, tell your doctor if you are allergic to products from birds - such as feathers, eggs or poultry - or if your leg is swollen or infected. Talk to your doctor before resuming strenuous weight-bearing activities after treatment. SYNVISC has not been tested in children, pregnant women or women who are nursing. You should tell your doctor if you think you are pregnant or if you are nursing a child.

# S-00376.A 10/2007