Knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. While it can occur even in young people, the chance of developing osteoarthritis rises after age 45.Women are more likely to have osteoarthritis than men.
The most common cause of osteoarthritis of the knee is age. Almost everyone will eventually develop some degree of osteoarthritis. However, several factors increase the risk of developing significant arthritis at an earlier age.
Age. The ability of cartilage to heal decreases as a person gets older.
Weight. Weight increases pressure on all the joints, especially the knees.
Heredity. This includes genetic mutations that might make a person more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee. It may also be due to inherited abnormalities in the shape of the bones that surround the knee joint.
Gender. Women ages 55 and older are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis of the knee.
Repetitive stress injuries. These are usually a result of the type of job a person has. People with certain occupations that include a lot of activity that can stress the joint, such as kneeling, squatting, or lifting heavy weights , are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee because of the constant pressure on the joint.
Athletics. Athletes involved in soccer, tennis, or long-distance running may be at higher risk for developing osteoarthritis of the knee. That means athletes should take precautions to avoid injury. However, it’s important to note that regular moderate exercise strengthens joints and can decrease the risk of osteoarthritis. In fact, weak muscles around the knee can lead to osteoarthritis.
Other illnesses. People with rheumatoid arthritis, the second most common type of arthritis, are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis. People with certain metabolic disorders, such as iron overload or excess growth hormone, also run a higher risk of osteoarthritis.
What Are the Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis?
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee may include:
pain that increases when active, but gets a little better with rest
swelling
feeling of warmth in the joint
stiffness in the knee, especially in the morning or when sitting
decrease in mobility of the knee, making it difficult to get in and out of chairs or cars, use the stairs, or walk
creaking, crackly sound that is heard when the knee moves
How Is Osteoarthritis of the Knee Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis will begin with a physical exam by doctor. Doctor will also take medical history and note any symptoms. Make sure to note what makes the pain worse or better to help doctor determine if osteoarthritis, or something else, may be causing pain. Also find out if anyone else in family has arthritis. Doctor may order additional testing, including:
X-rays, which can show bone and cartilage damage as well as the presence of bone spurs
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
MRI scans may be ordered when X-rays do not give a clear reason for joint pain or when the X-rays suggest that other types of joint tissue could be damaged.
Doctors may use blood tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing the pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, a different type of arthritis caused by a disorder in the immune system.
How Is Osteoarthritis of the Knee Treated?
The primary goals of treating osteoarthritis of the knee are to relieve the pain and return mobility. The treatment plan will typically include a combination of the following:
Weight loss. Losing even a small amount of weight, if needed, can significantly decrease knee pain from osteoarthritis.
Exercise. Strengthening the muscles around the knee makes the joint more stable and decreases pain. Stretching exercises help keep the knee joint mobile and flexible.
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
This includes over-the-counter choices such as paracetamol , ibuprofen , or naproxen sodium . Don’t take over-the-counter medications for more than 10 days without checking with doctor. Taking them for longer increases the chance of side effects. If over-the-counter medications don’t provide relief, doctor may give you a prescription anti-inflammatory drug or other medication to help ease the pain.
Injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid into the knee. Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. Hyaluronic acid is normally present in joints as a type of lubricating fluid.
Alternative therapies. Some alternative therapies that may be effective include topical creams with capsaicin, acupuncture, or supplements, including glucosamine and chondroitin or .
Using devices such as braces. There are two types of braces: “unloader” braces, which take the weight away from the side of the knee affected by arthritis; and “support” braces, which provide support for the entire knee.
Physical and occupational therapy. If you are having trouble with daily activities, physical or occupational therapy can help. Physical therapists teach you ways to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility in your joint. Occupational therapists teach you ways to perform regular, daily activities, such as housework, with less pain.
Surgery. When other treatments don’t work, surgery is a good option
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