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Osteoarthritis of the knee and modern treatment approaches.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is most common in middle-aged and elderly individuals. If left untreated, the disease will progress, leading to friction and wear during movement, stiffness in the knee joint, knee deformity, pain, and difficulty and inconvenience in daily life.
Osteoarthritis of the knee
When moving or performing various activities, you may experience pain and stiffness in the knee joint. Sometimes, movement becomes difficult. Even after prolonged periods of inactivity, pain and stiffness in the knee joint may occur. Other symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:
There was a crackling sound in the joint.
It is tender to the touch.
Weak knees and loss of muscle mass.
The knee joint has limited range of motion, loss of flexibility, and stiffness or difficulty moving. This often occurs in the morning or after sitting for long periods, making it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or get up from a chair.
Individuals experiencing key symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, such as pain, stiffness, and other symptoms mentioned above, should consult a doctor for treatment if these symptoms persist for an extended period. Failure to seek treatment can lead to more severe conditions.
Causes of knee osteoarthritis.
The cause of knee osteoarthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage that protects the ends of the bones in the joint, leading to the symptoms described above. Knee osteoarthritis from other causes or with unknown causes includes the following:
🔵 Age
It is the most common cause, and the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis increases with age, but it can also occur in younger people. The risk increases significantly after the age of 40.
🔵 Injury
Injuries sustained during sports or accidents, even after treatment and recovery, can still be a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis of the knee in the future.
🔵 Gender
Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee than men, especially those over 55 years of age. However, the exact reason for this is still unknown. (Women's menstruation causes a loss of calcium in the bloodstream, leading to a faster decrease in bone mass and a higher likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in women compared to men.)
🔵 Obesity
Overweight or obese individuals may cause their joints, especially the knees, to bear 3-4 times their body weight, increasing the risk of knee osteoarthritis over time.
🔵 Genetics
Some patients with arthritis have a family history of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can also be caused by other types of arthritis, which are conditions that damage the joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Furthermore, people whose occupations involve lifting heavy objects or carrying heavy loads for extended periods of time are at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee.
The doctor will begin by asking about your medical history, such as symptoms, underlying conditions, or daily habits. They will then examine the knee for signs such as swelling, redness, tenderness, and assess knee mobility to aid in a more detailed diagnosis and identify the cause. Further tests, such as X-rays or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), may be used to rule out other causes.
In addition, your doctor may examine the synovial fluid or perform blood tests to diagnose other possible causes of joint pain or symptoms similar to osteoarthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, inflammation, or infections.
Guidelines for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Treatment for knee osteoarthritis focuses on reducing pain and improving mobility. Treatment often involves a combination of methods, including:
Adjust your lifestyle habits.
Lose weight by controlling your diet and exercising. Being overweight puts extra stress on your knees and can eventually lead to osteoarthritis.
Regular knee exercises, including strengthening the knee muscles and stretching them, help to build muscle strength, support the knee joint, and reduce pain.
Exercise: Avoid exercises that put excessive stress on the joints, such as running or weightlifting. Swimming is recommended as it is an exercise that does not put much pressure on the joints.
Additionally, you can strengthen your muscles by brisk walking or cycling for at least 150 minutes per week.
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