OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common diagnosis, but can be daunting for those first diagnosed with it. Össur reports on how the person affected can manage the diagnosis and reduce problems – e.g. using the new Unloader One X product.

Text: Fridah Jönsson

he World Health Organisation WHO expects between 10 and 15 per cent of all people in the world over the age of 60 to have some kind of osteoarthritis, and with the majority having osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis often takes many years to develop and the articular cartilage that usually provides low slip resistance in a joint changes, reduces and can even disappear. Usually, arthritis takes hold in the hips or knees, but it can also occur in the shoulders, elbows and fingers.

WHEN A KNEE is affected by arthritis, the patient feels stiff; walking can be painful, and sometimes the knee swells, as too much fluid builds up in the surrounding joint. The cartilage of the joint becomes uneven, causing the knee to click and crack. The sensation of stiffness usually occurs on exertion,

but can also happen when standing up after sitting for too long.

The knee is a basic part of the body that is used every day. Accordingly, arthritis in the joint affects the person’s life both physically and mentally. It is not unusual for people to withdraw from walking long distances or stop exercising when they notice this is associated with pain – which is unfortunate, because the best remedy is movement and exercise.

That does not mean an arthritis patient has to run a marathon or embark on protracted crossfit sessions. Exercise that is gentle on the body is always best, and as little as 20 minutes’ exercise biking daily has produced excellent results. Custom training sessions such as swimming and walks are very gentle and help the knees.

To be certain that it really is osteoarthritis of the knee, a medical

examination is required, sometimes combined with an X-ray. Depending on the severity, the doctor will determine the course of treatment. For very severe symptoms, an operation may be needed, but often simply physiotherapy or exercise is prescribed. Some aids may also be recommended, and are sometimes prescribed by the doctor, e.g. walking sticks or crutches.

AT THE START OF 2020 Össur is launching its new Unloader One X product. It is an orthotic with biomechanical functions providing pain relief and increased functionality for patients with

osteoarthritis in one knee. Unloader One X is based on its predecessor, Unloader One, which has been used and is valued by hundreds of thousands of affected people all over the world for more than 20 years. In the run-up to the new launch, Össur has listened to users’

experiences and fine-tuned the details, improving aspects such as comfort, appearance and user-friendliness.

user is an osteoarthritis patient with limited movement wishing to resume everyday activities without pain by taking the pressure off the damaged joint. The protection has even been adapted to be worn during types of exercise and activities including rambling and gentle jogging, and it can cope with the user lifting weights. For the best experience, Unloader One X should be tried with the help of a qualified professional.