There are several diseases which can damage the knee or hip joint as well as other joints of the body also. These diseases cause damage to the surfaces of the bones taking part in the joint formation resulting in severe pain and disability.

OSTEOARTHRITIS :

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause for destruction of most of the joints of the body including the knee & hip joint. As the age progresses the cartilages over the ends of bones degenerate due to friction caused by the use of the joint. Once the cartilage is lost the surface of the bones beneath gets exposed. Due to the continuous rubbing and friction while walking the surface of the bone gets worsened and the individual cannot take even a single step without pain. Osteophytes formed at the margins of the joint restrict the movement of the joint. Due to severe pain and destruction of the joint one may start limping while walking and that will cause problems to the spine.

For management of osteoarthritis one may use cane for support while walking, physiotherapy and take pain killer tablets or intra- articular injections.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS :

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of connective tissues which involves inflammation of several joints. It starts in early age and can affect both men and women, more often women. The affected joints become swollen and tender. The bones become demineralised and muscles weak and atrophied.

The cause of all types of osteoarthritis is not always known.Some people suffer from haemophilia which is a bleeding disorder in which repeated bleeding into the joint results in swelling and inflammation, with subsequent destruction of the articular cartilage. Infection of the joint , accidental injury, gout, death of the tissue of the bone due to alcoholism, long term use of steroids or pain killers are some of the known causes. Some people suffer from dislocation of the hip joint right from birth which puts pressure on the joint causing excessive wear and tear of the joint.