Knee Osteoarthritis Information, Answers and Self-help Strategies
Frequently asked questions What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis (OA), commonly known as ‘wear and tear’ is a normal, age related process that affects the joints. The joint can become painful, which can cause stiffness and affect movement and mobility.
What causes osteoarthritis? There are many factors that contribute to osteoarthritis:
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Age: OA usually starts in the late 40s. Gender: OA is more commonly seen in females. Body weight: is a known risk factor for OA. Previous joint injury or surgery: can increase the risk of OA. Genetic factors: having a family history of OA can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
What are the symptoms? Common symptoms include creaking (crepitus), tenderness, pain, stiffness, swelling, and a ‘feeling of the knee giving way and/or weakness’ It is common to experience periods of little pain and then have phases of elevated pain. These are commonly known as ‘flare ups’ and can occur as a result of increase in activities or pressure on the knees.
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed? OA can be diagnosed by your healthcare professional after a detailed assessment. This will include things that make it worse, your medical history and your age. You do not always need an x-ray for this diagnosis. An x-ray can be used if management beyond physiotherapy is required. OA tends to develop over time and symptoms can be variable, and the evidence is very clear that what is seen on the x-ray picture does not always relate to the severity of your symptoms. CONTINUED OVERLEAF
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