Knee Arthritis: The Weight of Wear and Tear | Community Health

Knee arthritis, a condition affecting over 250 million people worldwide, is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. The most common forms are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent type, is often associated with aging, obesity, and previous injuries, with symptoms including pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by 2040, an estimated 78 million adults in the United States will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, with knee arthritis being a significant contributor to this statistic. The economic burden is substantial, with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions costing the US economy nearly $304 billion in 2013. Research into knee arthritis is ongoing, with advancements in treatments such as joint replacement surgery, physical therapy, and pharmacological interventions offering hope for improved management and potential cure. However, controversy surrounds the use of certain treatments, such as the effectiveness and safety of long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the role of surgery in early stages of the disease.