Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee joint

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the knee is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane lining the knee joint. This leads to chronic inflammation, resulting in knee pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can significantly impair mobility and quality of life. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, RA can affect people of any age and often involves multiple joints.

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis in the knee

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown, but it involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Individuals with a family history of RA are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Environmental triggers such as smoking and exposure to certain viruses or bacteria can activate the disease in genetically predisposed individuals. Hormonal changes or imbalances may also play a role, as RA is more common in women than in men.

Healthy joints
Synovitis
Pannus
Fibrous ankylosis
Bone ankylosis

Symptoms

  • Persistent joint pain not limited to post-activity
  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
  • Swelling and warmth in the knee joint
  • Redness around the knee
  • Fatigue and a general feeling of discomfort
  • Symmetrical symptoms, often affecting both knees

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Treatment considerations

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis aims to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Initial approaches include medications, lifestyle modifications, and physiotherapy. However, for patients with severe knee joint damage who do not respond to conservative treatments, knee replacement surgery may be considered.

Knee replacement as a solution for rheumatoid arthritis

At the Hanche Genou Clinic, our expert surgeons, Dr. Yves Laflamme and Dr. Hai Nguyen, offer knee replacement surgery to help patients regain their mobility and quality of life. During this procedure, the damaged bone and cartilage on the surface of your knee joint are removed and replaced with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic components. The artificial joint is designed to mimic the movement and function of a healthy, natural knee. This prevents the bones from rubbing against each other which is the main cause of pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

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CONTACT DRS. YVES LAFLAMME AND HAI NGUYEN FOR HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT IN MONTREAL.

With over 25 years of experience and more than 12,000 successful surgeries, our doctors are renowned for their expertise in complex hip and knee cases and their commitment to providing exceptional patient care.