What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
What is osteoarthritis of the knee? The joints of our body connect different bones and help in the rotary motion of our limbs. Over time, with wear and tear, they go through a cycle of damage and repair. This constant damage and repair can cause changes in the bones’ structure, which is called osteoarthritis.
What is osteoarthritis of the knee? One of the most used joints in our body is the knee joint that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone. This joint also has a bone in the front of the knee called the knee cap or patella. The ends of these bones are covered in a smooth substance called cartilage which helps the bones move against one another without friction. In a person with osteoarthritis of the knee, the cartilage over the knee joint becomes thin, causing friction between the bones. This means that the knee doesn’t move as smoothly as it should, and it causes the knee to feel painful and stiff.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis can affect anyone at any age, but some factors can increase the chances of developing osteoarthritis. • More common in women over 50. • Injuries or trauma can trigger it. • Joint problems like gout can trigger it. • Family history • Obesity is linked to osteoarthritis
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis • Stiffness around the knee • Chronic knee pain • Pain when flexing the knee • Severe pain by the end of the day • Creaking in the knee when moved • Inflammation around the knee • Muscles in the thighs feel weak • Loss of balance • Buckling of knee
Why should osteoarthritis be treated early? Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease and causes minimal changes in the beginning. As it progresses without help, it can cause the cartilage to become very thin. This causes friction between the bones, and they can wear away, causing problems, like:
Changes in bone structure. Formation of bone spurs. Swelling at the back of the knee called Baker’s cyst. Mobility problems. May trigger problems in other parts of the body, like the hips.
Treatment for osteoarthritis There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but it can be managed effectively with proper medical help. Your orthopaedist will be able to advise you on the best conservative methods to help your osteoarthritis, like:
Weight management – This can go a long way in reducing the strain on the knees. Exercise – This can help in weight management and strengthening the knees. Dietary changes – A good diet can help in weight management. Medication to manage pain and inflammation. Wearing a knee brace structured to relieve pressure on the joints’ surfaces. Wearing shoe inserts to take away stress on the knee. Stem cell therapy.
Your orthopaedist may suggest surgery in extreme cases. Some of the common surgeries for osteoarthritis include: Total joint replacement (arthroplasty) During this surgery, the damaged parts of the bone are removed. They are replaced with artificial joints made of metal or plastic. This is an easy and effective surgery and the best way to relieve pain and better quality of life. Osteotomy The orthopedic surgeon will cut through the bone near the damaged area and add a wedge of bone to realign the leg. This may remove the pressure and relieve the pain. It is a difficult surgery and isn’t as effective as joint replacement surgery.
Joint fusion In a joint fusion surgery, the surgeon will use metal pins, plates, screws, or rods to fuse two or more bones. In time, the bones will join. This can reduce the pain, but it may affect the mobility and flexibility of the limb. If you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, life can be frustrating and painful. Your doctor can help you better manage this condition and better your quality of life. You can google, “Orthopaedic Doctor Near me” to find a good doctor close to you.
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