Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative and ongoing joint condition characterized by the slow breakdown of cartilage in the knee. This protective tissue shields the ends of joint bones, hence ensuring smooth movement and cushioning impact during forceful activities like running, walking and jumping. As OA advances, the cartilage deteriorates, causing the bones to rub against each other and leading to swelling, pain, and reduced joint functionality.

Common Symptoms

Knee osteoarthritis symptoms can range from mild to severe. They can include:

• Pain: Persistent aching after physical activity.
• Stiffness: Noticeable stiffness, especially in the morning or after prolonged rest.
• Swelling: Inflammation and swelling around the knee joint.
• Limited mobility: Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee.
• Crepitus: A grinding or clicking feeling during movement.

Causes & Risk Factors

Although the precise causes of knee osteoarthritis remain unknown, a number of factors can increase the risk:

• Age: As you age, your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis rises.
• Sex: OA is more common in women, particularly beyond the age of 50.
• Genetics: Your risk may be higher if you have a family history of the condition.
• Obesity: Too much weight strains weight-bearing joints like the knees, hence increasing the risk of OA.
• Joint injuries: The possibility of getting OA is higher if you have previous knee injuries.
• Repetitive stress: Activities or occupations that subject the knee joint to ongoing strain might lead to osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing knee osteoarthritis involves a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the condition and the most effective treatment plan. At The Joint Pain Clinic, we often perform the following diagnostic tests and procedures:

• Medical history & symptom assessment: The process begins with a discussion of the patient’s symptoms, including their onset, duration, and impact on daily activities.
• Physical Examination: The clinician assesses the knee for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion restrictions to gauge the extent of joint damage.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound or other imaging techniques help visualize cartilage loss, bone changes, and structural abnormalities related to osteoarthritis.
• Laboratory tests: Joint fluid analysis or blood tests may be conducted to rule out other forms of arthritis or similar conditions.

Treatment Options

Our knee osteoarthritis treatment options include:

Lifestyle changes:

Making lifestyle changes, such as cutting weight, adjusting physical activities, and wearing appropriate footwear, can help alleviate pain and stiffness as well as enhance joint mobility and function.

Medications:

Medications are a key component of managing knee osteoarthritis, since they provide relief from musculoskeletal pain and enhance function. Common medications include:

• Topical anti-inflammatory gel.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen
• Pain relievers such as paracetamol and opioid analgesics.
• Muscle relaxants.
• Antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs.

Physiotherapy:

Your physiotherapist can help adjust your activities, suggest custom exercise routines, and provide symptomatic relief through treatments like ultrasound, massage, or laser therapy. Additionally, they may recommend braces, supports, or splints to aid recovery.

Shockwave therapy:

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes high-energy sound waves to alleviate chronic pain without the need for medication, injections, or surgery. The waves prompt the body’s natural inflammatory reaction, enhancing blood circulation and speeding up healing.

Surgery:

If other conservative treatments fail to ease knee osteoarthritis symptoms, the surgeon can perform a surgical procedure. Based on the severity of the condition, you may require knee arthroscopy or partial or total knee replacement surgery.