Knee Osteoarthritis: Understanding and Managing the Condition
Knee osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that affects millions of people around the world. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement in the affected knee. The knee is one of the most important joints in the body and is responsible for supporting the weight of the body and facilitating movement. When knee osteoarthritis develops, it can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life.
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in a joint wear down over time. This can cause the bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. Knee osteoarthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the knee joint.
What causes knee osteoarthritis?
The exact cause of knee osteoarthritis is not known, but there are several factors that are believed to increase the risk of developing the condition. Some of these include:
- Age: The risk of developing knee osteoarthritis increases as a person ages.
- Overuse: Repetitive motions, such as running or jumping, can put a lot of strain on the knee joint, leading to the development of osteoarthritis over time.
- Injury: Previous knee injuries, such as a torn ligament or a broken bone, can increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can put additional stress on the knee joint, leading to the development of osteoarthritis.
Cui, A., H. Li, D. Wang, J. Zhong, Y. Chen and H. Lu (2020). “Global, Regional Prevalence, Incidence and Risk Factors of Knee Osteoarthritis in Population-Based Studies.” EClinicalMedicine 29-30: 100587.
What are the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis?
The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis can vary from person to person, but some of the most common include:
- Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of knee osteoarthritis. The pain may be dull and constant, or it may be sharp and worsen with movement.
- Swelling: Swelling in the knee joint is also a common symptom of knee osteoarthritis.
- Stiffness: People with knee osteoarthritis may experience stiffness in the knee, especially after sitting for long periods of time, or increased feeling of stiffness first thing in the morning.
- Decreased mobility: Knee osteoarthritis can make it difficult to move the knee, causing a decrease in mobility such as climbing stairs, sitting down into chairs, or walking to the shops.
How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Knee osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed with a thorough objective examination and detailed subjective history by a physiotherapist or GP. During this, your physio or Dr will check for signs of pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee. They may also order imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, however these are not necessary in the diagnostic process, and mainly serve to rule out other conditions that may be contributing to your knee pain.
Further, there have been studies comparing radiographic changes reported on X-rays and the patients’ presenting symptoms, which found that X-rays demonstrate a poor correlation between X-ray findings and presenting symptoms (1).
How can you manage your knee OA?
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can be used to relieve pain and reduce swelling. In some cases, prescription pain medications may be necessary.
- Physiotherapy/exercise: Physiotherapy can help improve knee strength, flexibility, and mobility, reducing the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
- Weight loss: Losing weight can help reduce the strain on the knee joint, reducing the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
- Assistive devices: Devices, such as crutches or a knee brace, can help support the knee and reduce the pain and swelling associated with knee osteoarthritis.
References:
1) Kinds, M. B., P. M. Welsing, E. P. Vignon, J. W. Bijlsma, M. A. Viergever, A. C. Marijnissen and F. P. Lafeber (2011). “A Systematic Review of the Association between Radiographic and Clinical Osteoarthritis of Hip and Knee.” Osteoarthritis Cartilage 19(7): 768-778.
2) The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2007). “Referral for Joint Replacement: A Management Guide for Health Providers “.