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Arthritis of the knee is very common. In fact, according to the AAOS, it affects around 25 million adults in the United States and is one of the top 5 causes of disability. "Arthritis" can come in several types. The most common type is degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD)...also known as osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is another common cause of arthritis and is addressed elsewhere on this website.
Degenerative arthritis (or osteoarthritis) is simply "degeneration" of the white, shiney, smooth surface of articular cartilage that covers the bone in the knee. This is similar to wearing the tread off of a set of tire. Osteoarthritis (or degenerative arthritis) disproportionately affects women with approximately 2/3 of cases involving women. It causes problems walking and climbing stairs and is often associated with pain like a toothache. It can cause problems with sleep at night. The risk factors include obesity, age > 61, female, family history, trauma, heavy physical activity, high impact sports, repetitive stress injury, others...
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