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Osteoarthritis of the knee is a "wear and tear" condition where the protective cartilage in your knee joint wears down. Cartilage is the tough, slippery tissue that cushions the ends of your bones. When this cartilage wears away, the bones of your leg can start to rub against each other, which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.
read more about osteoarthritis of the knee ...The most common cause is the gradual wear on the joint that happens as you get older. Your risk for getting it is higher if you are overweight, as this puts extra stress on your knees. A past knee injury, like a ligament tear or a fracture, can also lead to osteoarthritis years later. It can also run in families.
The main symptom is pain in the knee that gets worse when you are active, such as when you are walking, climbing stairs, or kneeling. You may also have stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Other signs include swelling, a feeling that the knee is "locking" or "catching," and a grinding or scraping sound when you move it.
A doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine your knee. They will check how well it moves and see if there is any swelling or tenderness. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will order an X-ray. An X-ray can show if the space between your bones has become narrow, which is a clear sign that the cartilage is gone.
There is no cure, so treatment focuses on managing your pain and staying active. For mild cases, this includes weight loss, physical therapy, and low-impact exercise like swimming. Pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can help. For more severe pain, a doctor may suggest injections in the knee. If the pain is very bad, a knee replacement surgery is a common and effective option.
Is exercise bad for my knee?
No. The right kind of exercise is one of the best treatments. Gentle exercises strengthen the muscles that support your knee, which can reduce pain. You should avoid high-impact activities like running.
Will I need to have surgery?
Not necessarily. Many people manage their knee osteoarthritis very well for a long time with simple treatments like exercise and weight management. Surgery is usually for people who have severe pain that stops them from living a normal life.
Can I prevent knee osteoarthritis?
You cannot always prevent it, especially as you get older. However, you can lower your risk by keeping a healthy weight, which puts less stress on your knees. You should also try to avoid injuries to your knee.
You should see a doctor if you have knee pain or stiffness that lasts for more than a few weeks. If the pain is making it hard for you to walk, climb stairs, or get out of a chair, it is important to get it checked. A doctor can find the cause and create a treatment plan to help you feel better.