Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones in the knee joint gradually wears away over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages but is more prevalent in those over the age of 50.
Symptoms
- Pain in the knee joint, especially when moving or bearing weight
- Stiffness and limited range of motion in the knee joint
- A feeling of grinding or cracking in the knee joint
- Swelling and tenderness in the knee joint
- Weakness or instability in the knee joint
- Difficulty in walking or performing daily activities that involve the knee joint
Causes
- Aging and wear and tear on the knee joint over time
- Previous knee injury or trauma, such as a fracture or ligament tear
- Overuse or repetitive stress on the knee joint, such as in athletes or those with physically demanding jobs
- Obesity or being overweight, which puts extra pressure on the knee joint
- Genetics or hereditary factors that may predispose individuals to knee osteoarthritis
Risk factors
- Age, as the risk of knee osteoarthritis increases with age
- Gender, as women are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than men
- Obesity or being overweight
- Previous knee injury or trauma
- Physically demanding jobs or activities that put repetitive stress on the knee joint
- Genetics or hereditary factors
Associated conditions
- Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions
- Gout or other metabolic conditions that affect joint health
- Meniscal tears or other injuries to the knee joint
- Osteonecrosis, a condition where the bone tissue in the knee joint dies due to poor blood supply
Diagnosis
- Physical examination by a doctor, including assessment of knee joint mobility, strength, and pain levels
- Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, to visualize the knee joint and assess any structural abnormalities or damage to the joint
Differential diagnosis
- Other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis
- Meniscal tears or other injuries to the knee joint
- Bursitis or tendonitis in the knee joint
Treatment options
- Non-surgical options such as pain medication, physical therapy, weight loss, and activity modification to reduce stress on the knee joint
- Joint injections, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, to reduce inflammation and improve joint function
- Surgery, such as arthroscopy, osteotomy, or joint replacement, for severe cases of knee osteoarthritis
Typical recovery timeframes
Recovery timeframes vary depending on the severity of the knee osteoarthritis and the type of treatment received. Non-surgical options may require weeks to months of treatment, while surgical options may require several months of recovery and rehabilitation.
Prognosis
Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that typically worsens over time, but with proper management and treatment, it is possible to reduce pain and improve joint function.