The knees are major weight bearing joints and are therefore subject to extreme physical stresses which can over time result in the deterioration of the cartilage within the joint. This is the most common type of arthritis to affect the knee. Other types of arthritis include post traumatic arthritis which is arthritis secondary to a fracture or traumatic injury to the knee and inflammatory arthritis which is related to connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms associated with knee arthritis are knee, thigh and leg pain, limping, weakness and joint stiffness. Typically there will be a progressive inability to perform routine activities such as putting on shoes and socks. Treatment for cases of minor or moderate arthritis are oral anti-inflammatory medications, injections, exercise and physical therapy.
In cases of mild to moderate arthritis where non-invasive treatment has not been effective and injectable medication to cushion and lunricate the joint can be used. This medication is a form of hyaluronic acid which is the normal lubricant and cushion in the knee and tends to lose its biomechanical properties as part of the degenerative process. By restoring the level of hyaluronic acid in the knee.