Treatment is crucial for the comfort and well-being of those suffering from acute arthritis in the knee. Whether infectious, inflammatory or degenerative in nature, it is critical to accurately diagnose the exact problem and pursue an effective treatment.

Infectious Arthritis

Bacterial or viral infection can set into the knee joint, creating warmth, pain and often a general feeling of malaise. Upon confirmation of an infection, pus must be drained from the joint and IV antibiotics will be administered. Failure to promptly treat infectious arthritis can result in permanent joint damage.

Gout

Extreme, sudden pain that develops in the knee joint can be indicative of gouty arthritis. Your physician can diagnose this acute form of arthritis by aspirating the fluid in the knee. Treatments include: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), corticosteroids or a medication called colchicine.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, can become acutely painful as it progresses. Treatments to stop the inflammatory process can include: NSAIDS, cortisone injections, ice, physical therapy or COX-2 inhibitors. Failure to achieve desirable pain relief through these methods may lead to the necessity for a total knee replacement.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can cause acute pain and inflammation in the knee. Treatments include: disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), NSAIDS and/or corticosteroids. Synovectomy may be performed by removing the inflamed joint lining in order to reduce pain and inflammation. Total joint replacement may be necessary if other treatments fail.

Significance

In most every instance of severe, acute arthritis, stopping the inflammatory process is the key to pain relief and joint preservation. An accurate diagnosis is critical so that appropriate treatments can be pursued.

Source:

Acute Infectious Arthritis

Knee Arthritis Treatment

Knee RA

More Information:

Arthritis Gout Knee

Arthritis of the knee joint