Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Introduction

Degenerative joint disease, sometimes known as knee osteoarthritis, is a widespread ailment that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It mostly affects the knee joint and has a big effect on a person's quality of life. We will examine the causes, signs, risk factors, preventative measures, and available treatments for knee osteoarthritis in this post.

Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis

The main cause of knee osteoarthritis is aging-related damage to the knee joint. There are several aspects that influence its development:

1. Age: Knee osteoarthritis is significantly influenced by ageing. The knee joint's cushioning cartilage begins to degenerate and lose its suppleness as we age.

2. Joint Injuries: Previous injuries, including ligament rips or fractures, might make it more likely that the knee joint in question will develop osteoarthritis.

3. Obesity: Carrying too much body weight puts additional strain on the knee joints. This may hasten cartilage degradation and raise the probability of developing osteoarthritis.

4. Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing osteoarthritis due to a hereditary predisposition.

Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

Different symptoms of knee osteoarthritis may appear and may get worse with time, including:

1. Pain: The most frequent symptom is pain, which is frequently characterised as a dull aching in the knee. Activity-induced pain may get worse and reduce with rest.

2. Stiffness: People with osteoarthritis of the knee may feel stiff, particularly after periods of inactivity or when they first get up in the morning.

3. Swelling: Because cartilage deterioration sets off the inflammatory response, swelling may develop around the knee joint.

4. Reduced Range of Motion: It may become difficult to bend or straighten the leg since the knee may no longer have its complete range of motion.

5. Crepitus: Some osteoarthritic knee patients experience a popping or crackling sound when they move their knee.

Risk Factors

Knee osteoarthritis risk factors include a number of the following:

1. Age: The risk rises with age, with people over 50 accounting for the majority of cases.

2. Gender: Compared to males, women have a higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.

3. Obesity: Overweight or obese individuals put additional stress on their knee joints.

4. Joint Damage: Individuals who have had joint damage or surgery in the past may be more susceptible to osteoarthritis.

5. Heredity: An increased risk may result from a family history of osteoarthritis.

Prevention

While age and heredity are two unavoidable risk factors for knee osteoarthritis, there are efforts people may take to lower their risk or decrease the disease's progression:

1. Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can considerably lower the likelihood of developing knee osteoarthritis and alleviate its symptoms.

2. Exercise Regularly: Low-impact activities like walking, cycling, and swimming can assist to build stronger knee-supporting muscles.

3. Take Care of Your Joints: Avoid activities that place too much strain on your knees, and lift heavy things carefully.

4. Use of Supportive Footwear: Supportive footwear that fits properly might assist in distributing weight evenly over the knees.

Treatment Options

When knee osteoarthritis does develop, there are several viable treatments:

1. Medications: Knee osteoarthritis may be treated with intra-articular medications like Hylan polymer A&B G-F 20. It acts as a temporary replacement for synovial fluid, which reduces knee problems' related pain and discomfort.

2. Physical therapy: To strengthen knee muscles and increase joint flexibility, physical therapists might create workout programmes.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Symptoms can be reduced by making adjustments including losing weight, utilising hot/cold treatment, and employing assistive technology.

4. Injections: To lessen pain and inflammation, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections may be suggested.

5. Surgery: In extreme circumstances, surgery alternatives such knee arthroscopy or knee replacement surgery may be taken into consideration.

Conclusion

Effective management of knee osteoarthritis depends on a thorough understanding of its origins, signs, risks, preventative methods, and available treatments. People with knee osteoarthritis can minimise pain, increase mobility, and maintain a high quality of life by leading a healthy lifestyle and receiving the right medical treatment. Consult a medical expert as soon as you think you may have knee osteoarthritis for a precise diagnosis and individualised treatment plan.