Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is a chronic condition that can lead to permanent joint damage and disability if left untreated.
RA can affect any joint in the body, including the knee. When RA affects the knee joint, it can cause significant pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. In some cases, a blood test called rheumatoid factor (RF) may be positive, indicating the presence of antibodies that attack the body's own tissues.
However, not all cases of RA with positive RF involve organ or systems involvement. In some cases, the disease primarily affects the knee joint without spreading to other parts of the body.
When RA affects the knee joint without involving other organs or systems, it is known as isolated knee rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can still cause significant pain and disability, but it may be less severe than RA that affects multiple joints and organs.
The symptoms of isolated knee rheumatoid arthritis are similar to those of RA that affects other joints. These symptoms may include:
These symptoms may come and go, and they may be more severe during flare-ups of the disease.
Treatment for isolated knee rheumatoid arthritis may include:
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the knee joint if it has been severely damaged by the disease.
Rheumatoid