Osteoarthritis disease is the most common type of arthritis, resulting in joint pains, especially in knees. It is also the eighth-ranked disease worldwide, covering almost 15% of all musculoskeletal issues. This disease occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the bones wears down with repetitive use or age over time. Although the damage to the cartilage can’t be reversed, its symptoms can be managed to slow down the progression of this disease. In this article, we will understand everything about osteoarthritis knees.
What is Osteoarthritis Disease?
Osteoarthritis is very common, and over 80% of people above the age of 55 have osteoarthritis even if they don’t experience any symptoms. Only around 60% of people feel or notice any symptoms of this disease; the remaining never experience any. A degenerative joint condition, osteoarthritis causes the tissues of the joint to deteriorate over time.
Osteoarthritis patients typically experience joint discomfort and, briefly, stiffness following periods of inactivity or rest. Knee joint OA is the most common one. However, it may also happen in the below joints:
- Hands, especially the end of fingers
- Hips
- Lower back
- Neck
Knee joint osteoarthritis can affect each person differently. Some people may have a mild type that may not affect their day-to-day activities. While for others, it may cause significant pain and disability. Joint damage may develop over the years and worsen quickly if not taken care of.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Joint pain, problems moving the joint, and stiffness are the main symptoms of osteoarthritis. Some people may also experience tenderness, swelling, crackling, or grating sound when moving their joints, especially knees. The symptoms and severity of osteoarthritis disease can vary from person to person and affected area.
Osteoarthritis Causes
Osteoarthritis types can be classified as primary and secondary. The primary osteoarthritis has no known cause and happens in the joints over time. This generally occurs because of normal wear and tear of the joints. On the other hand, secondary cases happen because of another disease, injury, infection, or deformity. The degeneration of joint cartilage is the initial cause of osteoarthritis disease.
The bones’ ends may enlarge and develop spurs (bony growths) as the cartilage deteriorates. Bone spurs make it difficult for joints to move. Further, bone and cartilage fragments could float in the joint space. Moreover, joint mobility may be restricted by fluid-filled cysts that develop in the bone.
Osteoarthritis Disease Diagnosis
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis knees starts with a physical examination by the doctor. They will check the knees for swelling, tenderness, flexibility, and redness. After that, the tests listed below are carried out to obtain a precise image:
- Imaging tests:
X-rays and MRI - Lab tests:
Blood tests and joint fluid analysis
Cure for Osteoarthritis in Knees
Osteoarthritis knee disease has no known cure. However, this condition can be controlled to avoid getting worse over time. Several treatment options can help in relieving the symptoms. Treatment options for knee joint osteoarthritis include:
- Lifestyle changes:
These include maintaining a healthy weight and regularly exercising. - Medicines:
Pain relief medicines are given - Supportive therapies:
These therapies (physiotherapy, occupational Therapy) help people do everyday activities efficiently.
Besides, eating a diet rich in fiber, plant-based foods, and healthy fats can also help manage its symptoms. Some of the food items that you can include in your diet are:
- Oily fish
- Vegetables and fruits
- Nuts
- Onions and garlic
- Beans
In some cases, when the treatment mentioned above does not show results, doctors may advise surgery to repair or replace the damaged knee joint.
Final Thoughts
Osteoarthritis, especially knee joint OA, can make it difficult for people to walk and do their daily activities. Hence, following your doctor’s advice, maintaining adequate body weight, and eating food that can provide the essential nutrients can improve its symptoms. Doing so will help boost the strength of muscle, bone, and immune health and fight inflammation needed to control the condition.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/arthritis/osteoarthritis
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/treatment/
