Osteoarthritis, also known as "wear and tear" osteoarthritis, is a common disease in middle-aged people.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the main causes of disability in the United States. The development of the disease is slow and the pain gets worse over time. Although there is no cure, there are many treatment options available that help control pain, stay active and lead a fulfilling life.
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What is osteoarthritis of the knee?
Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative disease of the knee.
A healthy knee can flex and straighten without difficulty, thanks to a soft and slippery tissue called articular cartilage, which covers, protects and cushions the ends of the bones that make up the knee.
Between these bones, there are two C-shaped menisci (cartilages) that act as "shock absorbers" to the knee joint. Osteoarthritis eats these cartilages.
- A healthy knee
- A knee with osteoarthritis
How is it presented?
Osteoarthritis occurs with the passage of time. When worn, the cartilage deteriorates and becomes rough. Then, when you move, you feel pain in the area that is not protected by the cartilage.
When the cartilage wears out completely, the bones rub against each other. And, to compensate for the loss of cartilage, damaged bones may begin to grow and form painful spurs.
Symptom.
Pain and stiffness are the most frequent symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. In general, symptoms get worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
What causes osteoarthritis of the knee?
Several factors increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Age.
The ability of the cartilage to repair itself can decrease with age. Osteoarthritis usually affects people of middle age and older.
Heritage.
A link between certain genes and osteoarthritis has been observed. Some hereditary characteristics, such as having bowed legs, knees together or joint laxity, may increase your risk of having this disease.
Weight.
The greater your weight, the greater the weight supported by the joints of your knees.
Injuries
A previous injury to the knee, such as a sports injury, can cause osteoarthritis in the future.
Excessive use.
People who must kneel or bend over, lift heavy objects and walk as part of their work are more vulnerable to injuries from repeated knee strain. This makes them more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Other diseases.
If you had other problems in your knee, such as gout, infection or Lyme disease, you have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Treatment
As osteoarthritis worsens over time, the sooner you start the treatment, the better the result will be.
After analyzing your symptoms and medical history, the doctor may order x-rays to confirm the presence of osteoarthritis. X-rays show whether damage to the cartilage has reduced the joint space that separates the bones of the knee.
- Reduced joint space due to damaged cartilage and spurs
- Normal joint space between the femur and the tibia
What are the most common treatment options?
Your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain and reduce joint stiffness.
Changes in lifestyle.
If the pain does not interfere with your daily life, your doctor may recommend you make some changes in your lifestyle first to protect your joints and reduce the progression of the disease.
Exercise. If you regularly do high-impact exercises (such as running or playing competitive sports), you can decrease the tension in your knee by substituting them for low impact exercises. Walking, biking and swimming are good options for low-impact activities.
Weightloss. If you are overweight, losing just a few pounds can make a big difference in the level of tension that your knee joint supports.
Physiotherapy. Some specific exercises can improve the range of motion of your knee and strengthen the muscles in your leg that support the joint. Help devices, such as braces, splints, or shoe inserts, also help decrease joint tension.
Medicines.
If the pain affects your daily routine, or is not relieved by the initial methods, the doctor may incorporate some medication into your treatment plan.
Acetaminophen. Although it does not reduce swelling, acetaminophen can relieve mild pain with few side effects.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Drugs such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling.
Food supplements. Some over-the-counter supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, may relieve pain in some people. Talk to your doctor before using supplements.
Steroid injections Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is injected directly into the knee joint.
Viscosuplementos. This injection therapy can relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis in patients who do not respond to other non-surgical options.
Surgery.
Your doctor may consider surgery if your pain worsens and causes you to become disabled.
Arthroscopy This procedure can be used to remove small pieces of torn or torn cartilage, or to smooth the surface of worn cartilage. The more advanced arthrosis is, the less effective arthroscopy is. Osteotomy A cut is made in the bones that surround the knee to realign them and eliminate pressure on the knee joint.
Replacement of the joint. The joint replacement can be total or partial. The complete knee joint or damaged parts are removed and replaced by an artificial device (joint prosthesis).
Living with osteoarthritis
Finding out that you have osteoarthritis can be daunting. However, different treatment options can be very useful, and there are many things you can do to reduce the impact of osteoarthritis in your life.
Talk to your doctor.
If symptoms worsen or you have difficulty coping with the disease, your doctor can review your treatment plan.
Consult a physiotherapist.
A physiotherapist will teach you exercises to increase your strength and flexibility. It can also help you look for new ways to do your daily activities. Simple changes, such as using an object picker to pick up things that are low, can make a big difference in relieving joint pain. Your physiotherapist can recommend the use of assistive devices in the bathroom, such as a shower bench, a raised toilet seat and handrails.
Rest as much as possible.
Osteoarthritis can cause you to tire faster and symptoms may get worse if you feel fatigue. Try to sleep throughout the night and take a few short naps during the day if you need it.
Talk to your doctor about alternative medicine.
Some alternative therapies seem to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. Talk to your doctor before starting one, as it may interfere with your treatment plan.