Knee pain is one of the most common health concerns affecting people of all ages. Whether it’s dull ache while walking or severe pain that limit everyday activities, finding the root cause is the first
Step toward effective treatment.
Two most common causes of knee pain are osteoarthritis {OA} and Rheumatoid Arthritis {RA}. Although both conditions affect the knee joint, they have different causes, symptoms and approaches.
Understanding the difference can help you seek the right treatment early and protect your joint from long-term damage.
Think of it This Way
What Is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when protective cartilage that cushions the end of the bones gradually wears away. Without this cushioning, the bones rub against each other, so because of that stiffness increases and reduces range of motion.
Common Cause
- Ageing
- Obesity
- Family history
- Previous knee injury
- Repetitive stress on knee joint
Symptoms
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Morning stiffness lasting less than 30 min
- Swelling after walking and standing
- Grinding or clicking sensation
- Difficulty during climbing and descending stairs
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Of the Knee?
Rheumatoid arthritis {RA} is an autoimmune disease. Instead of protecting the body, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation.
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints and may also impact other organs in the body.
Common Symptoms
- Pain in both knee
- Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour
- Warm, swollen joints
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Symptoms that come and go in flare ups
Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis: Key Differences
Feature Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cause Wear & tear of Autoimmune disease
Cartilages
Age usually after 50 can occur at any age
Year
Joint often one knee first usually both joint
Involvement
Mornings less than 30 more than 1 hour
Stiffness minutes
Swelling Mild significant
Diseases Gradual can progress rapidly
Progression
Other body Rare common( fatigue,fever,
Symptoms weakness)
Treatment Option
The treatment depends on the type and severity of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis treatment
Treatment may include:
- Lifestyle modification
- Weight management
- Physical therapy
- Pain-relieving medication
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Knee braces or supportive devices
- Injection in selected patient
- Knee replacement surgery
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing joint damage.
It may include:
- Disease-modifying medication(DMARDs)
- Biologic therapies
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Physical therapy
- Regular monitoring by a rheumatologist
- Surgery in severe joint damage
Can Arthritis Be Prevented?
Although not all forms of arthritis can be prevented , you can reduce your risk by:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Exercising regularly
- Strengthening the muscles around the knee
- Avoiding unnecessary stress on the knee joints
- Treating injuries promptly
- Eating a balanced, nutrition diet
- Managing chronic health conditions
When Should You See a Doctor?
Do not ignore knee pain if you experience:
- Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks
- Difficulty walking
- Swollen or warm knee joint
- Morning stiffness every day
- Pain that interferes with daily activities
- Knee pain that does not improve with medication or physiotherapy
Early diagnosis can slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
A Modern, Minimally Invasive Solution at Bankers Vascular Hospital
For patients with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis, Bankers Vascular Hospital offers an advanced non- surgical and minimally invasive treatment called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
GAE is an image-guided procedure performed by an experienced vascular specialist. Tiny particles are delivered through a small catheter to reduce abnormal blood flow around the inflamed knee joint. This helps decrease inflammation, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
Benefits of GAE
- No major surgery
- No large incisions
- Minimal pain during the procedure
- Faster recovery
- Short hospital stay
- Preserves the natural knee joint
- Helps patients return to daily activities sooner
- Suitable for patients who are not ready for knee replacement surgery
Who Can Benefit For GAE?
You may be a suitable candidate if you:
- Have moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee
- Continue to have pain despite medication or physiotherapy
- Wish to avoid knee replacement surgery
- Are looking for a minimally invasive treatment option
A detailed evaluation by the specialist at Bankers Vascular Hospital can determine whether GAE is right for you.
Why Choose Bankers Vascular Hospital?
At Bankers Vascular Hospital, Patients receive advanced and image-guided treatment using modern technology and a patient centred approach. The hospital offers minimally invasive procedures designed to reduce pain, shorten recovery time and improve quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Although osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis both cause knee pain , they are very different conditions. Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear of the joint, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system.
Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. For patients suffering from persistent knee pain due to osteoarthritis , Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) at Bankers Vascular Hospital offers a safe, minimally invasive option that may help relieve pain and improve mobility without major surgery.
Don’t let knee pain limit your life. Consult the specialists at Bankers Vascular Hospital to explore the best treatment option for your condition.