Knee osteoarthritis is a widespread condition that is known to impact millions of people worldwide. A long-term condition, it can cause great pain, discomfort and swelling over time, especially if left untreated. If you are struggling with symptoms of arthritis you aren’t alone, and rest assured that treatment options are available that could reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
So, where do you start?
We have you covered. Here is everything you need to know about what knee osteoarthritis is, symptoms of the condition, the diagnosis process and the treatment options that may be available to you.
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the knee occurs when the cartilage within your joint breaks down. This cartilage is essential in allowing your bones to move smoothly against each other. With the absence of cartilage, the bones rub together which causes pain, swelling and ultimately stiffness in the knee. It’s a degenerative joint disease which is a natural result of wear and tear over time. Although it’s a long-term condition with no current cure, rest assured that there are treatments available that will slow its progress and ease symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
As with any condition, your experience with osteoarthritis will be unique to you and so the symptoms can vary in severity. The most common symptoms to look out for are:
- Increased pain after movement or activity
- Increased stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity
- Increased swelling or tenderness around the knee
- Reduced range of movement
- A feeling of cracking or grating during movement or activity
- The development of bony growths called osteophytes (bone spurs) around the knee
Causes and Risk Factors
Anyone at any age can develop osteoarthritis but it mainly affects those over the age of 50 and in general, you are more likely to suffer with the condition the older you are. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage in your knee wears away which is the tissue that protects your joints and bones and allows them to move smoothly. Without the presence of cartilage, your bones rub together which causes friction, inflammation and stiffness.
While doctors aren’t completely sure of the causes of osteoarthritis in the knee, there are a number of trends in those that develop the condition. These include:
- Your age: the risk increases with age as cartilage is known to wear over time
- Your weight: excess weight places additional strain on the knee causing the cartilage to wear
- Your genetics: there have been some links with osteoarthritis running in the family
- Your activity levels: certain movements such as running can cause additional wear and tear to the cartilage
- Your occupation: manual jobs such as farming can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knees
Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis
If you think that you may be struggling with knee osteoarthritis, it’s recommended to take a trip to your GP or a physiotherapist. They will start by identifying your symptoms and physically examining your knee. This process could include a combination of a visual examination, biomechanical examination, imaging tests, x-rays, MRI scan and CT scan. This intrinsic process will enable them to understand whether it is osteoarthritis that you are suffering with, and the level of degradation that you have. In adopting this thorough approach, they can determine the right treatment option for your needs.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
When you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee, there are several non-surgical treatment options that are available to you. Your healthcare provider will work alongside you to determine whether non-surgical treatment should form part of your plan. If so, options could include:
- Pain medication and NSAIDs
- Physical therapy and gentle exercise
- Maintaining a healthy BMI
- Using a knee brace or walking aid
- Recommendations for supportive footwear
- Steroid injections
- Platelet rich plasma injections (PRP injections)
Depending on the severity of your condition, your healthcare provider will likely start with one or a combination of these treatment options before considering surgery.
Surgical Treatment Options
If your osteoarthritis is severe, causing you extreme pain, or having a significant impact on your quality of life then your healthcare professional may recommend surgical treatment options. More often than not though, this will only be offered when non-surgical treatment options have failed. The four options that you may be offered are:
Total knee replacement
This involves replacing your entire knee with an artificial one.
Partial knee replacement
This involves replacing the damaged parts of your knee with artificial sections.
Osteotomy
Your surgeon will cut and realign the bones in order to relieve some of the pressure on the knee joint. This is usually a more common treatment option if you are under the age of 60.
Arthroscopy
This is the least invasive surgical treatment option. It involves cleaning out or removing damaged cartilage and only small incisions are needed.
Living with Knee Osteoarthritis and Long-Term Management
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a lifelong condition that needs a long-term treatment plan. For personalised treatment that manages your symptoms and prevents them from worsening, it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider. Consider seeking regular check-ups and treatment from a doctor or physiotherapist that specialises in osteoarthritis of the knee. This will optimise your treatment and allow them to closely monitor your condition. And in the instance that you need surgery, they will ensure that your knee is properly rehabilitated to maximise the longevity of the results. Early diagnosis and treatment can be key to managing your pain and symptoms, so it’s beneficial to seek advice as soon as possible.
Speak to an Expert About Your Symptoms Today
If you suspect that you are suffering with osteoarthritis of the knee or have received a prior diagnosis and are looking for long-term management options, get in touch with Dr David Slattery. With over a decade of knowledge and experience, you are in safe hands. Complete an online enquiry form or call 03 5752 5020 to get started.
