Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. This natural form of arthritis primarily results from the wear and tear of knee joint cartilage. The cartilage in the knee joint plays a crucial role in cushioning the bones and allowing smooth movement. When this cartilage wears away, it leads to the bones rubbing directly against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
This blog takes a closer look at this degenerative form of arthritis and highlights the best rehabilitation available in India.
Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis
Age: The risk of knee osteoarthritis increases with age. As we age, the ability of cartilage to repair and regenerate diminishes, making it more susceptible to damage.
Genetics: For some individuals, genetics play a significant role in the development of knee osteoarthritis. If a family member has suffered from OA, there is a higher likelihood of developing the condition.
Body Weight: Excess body weight puts additional stress on the knee joints. Each extra pound of body weight adds three to four pounds of extra pressure on the knees when walking, accelerating the wear and tear of cartilage.
Gender: Women, particularly those above the age of 55, are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than men. Hormonal factors and differences in joint anatomy and biomechanics might contribute to this increased risk.
Repetitive Stress Injuries: Certain activities, sports, and occupations that involve repetitive stress on the knees can lead to knee osteoarthritis. This includes weight lifting, running on hard surfaces, playing tennis, soccer, and long-distance running. Participants in these activities should take precautions to avoid long-term damage to their knees.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, are at a higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis manifests in various ways, often worsening over time. Recognizing the symptoms early can help in managing the condition more effectively. The common symptoms include:
Stiffness: A common sign of knee osteoarthritis is stiffness in the knee joint, especially after periods of inactivity or rest.
Pain: Joint pain during or after engaging in physical activity is a hallmark of knee osteoarthritis. The pain may start as mild and become more severe as the condition progresses.
Warmth: A feeling of warmth in the knee joint can indicate inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.
Swelling: Inflammation and excess fluid in the knee joint can cause noticeable swelling.
Reduced Range of Motion: As the cartilage wears away and the bones rub together, the range of motion in the knee joint may decrease, making it difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee.
Grating Sensation: A grating or grinding sensation when moving the knee is a sign that the cartilage has worn away and the bones are rubbing against each other.
Traditional Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis
Treatment for knee osteoarthritis aims to relieve pain, improve joint function, and enhance the quality of life. The approach to treatment varies based on the severity of the condition and individual patient factors. Here are the primary treatment options:
Medications
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, stronger medications may be necessary.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain in the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid injections, which mimic the natural joint fluid, can also provide temporary relief by lubricating the joint.
Surgery
When conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical options may be considered. These include:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove loose fragments of cartilage or bone.
- Osteotomy: Realigning the bones to reduce stress on the knee joint.
- Partial or Total Knee Replacement: Replacing damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components.
Treating Osteoarthritis at Plexus
Osteoarthritis does not have to bog you down. At Plexus, we believe a multidisciplinary approach towards treating osteoarthritis can significantly improve quality of life, manage symptoms, as well as slow disease progression.
Our rehabilitation for osteoarthritis includes:
Stem Cell Therapy
Mesenchymal stem cells, known for their self-renewal and differentiating properties, are injected into the knee. These cells then assume the function of damaged cells in the cartilage. Over time, they multiply and grow into tissue, and eventually cartilage. Thus, new and healthy cartilage is generated, reducing friction between bones.
Apart from being a minimally-invasive and non-surgical procedure, stem cell therapy reduces inflammation and helps in the management of pain. It also considerably slows down the rate of progression of the condition.
Read more about stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis here.
Assistive Devices
Using assistive devices like knee braces, shoe inserts, and walking aids can help reduce the load on the knee and alleviate pain.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the knees, can significantly reduce symptoms and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. At Plexus, we offer customised nutritive therapy and physical therapy programs to maintain optimum weight and fitness levels.
Physical Therapy
Engaging in regular, low-impact exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. At Plexus, our physical therapists focus on tailored exercises and techniques to enhance joint function. Below are some effective exercises that can help:
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the knee provides better support and reduces the strain on the joint. Common strengthening exercises include:
- Quadriceps Strengthening: Straight leg raises and seated knee extensions.
- Hamstring Strengthening: Hamstring curls.
- Flexibility Exercises: Maintaining flexibility in the knee joint helps improve range of motion and reduce stiffness. Stretching exercises include:
- Hamstring Stretch: Sit with one leg extended and reach for the toes.
- Calf Stretch: Stand facing a wall, place one foot back, and press the heel down.
- Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises: Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are excellent for maintaining cardiovascular health without putting excessive strain on the knees.
- Balance and Stability Exercises: These exercises help improve joint stability and reduce the risk of falls. Examples include:
- Single-Leg Balance: Stand on one leg for 30 seconds, then switch.
- Heel-to-Toe Walk: Walk in a straight line, placing one foot directly in front of the other.
For more information on osteoarthritis knee treatment and exercises, or to discuss your symptoms with a specialist, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
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FAQs
What exercise is best for knee osteoarthritis?
Swimming is ideal for knee osteoarthritis as it provides a full-body workout without stressing the joints. It also improves cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility, reducing knee pain and stiffness. However, if you are not a swimmer, there are other exercises that can improve your joint flexibility and manage symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Contact Team Plexus to know more.
How can I stop my knee osteoarthritis from progressing?
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling, and avoiding activities that stress the knees are the best ways to slow down progression of osteoarthritis.
Can knee osteoarthritis improve?
With proper management including exercise, weight control, physical therapy, and stem cell therapy, symptoms of knee osteoarthritis can improve. They can enhance joint function and reduce pain.
Can I live a normal life with osteoarthritis?
Of course! With timely and appropriate management you can definitely maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle.
