Knee Osteoarthritis Demystified: Your Blueprint for Healthy Joints

September, 20 2024 • 5 min read

Living with knee osteoarthritis can be challenging. But managing its symptoms can change how you live your life ahead. While many surgical and non-surgical options exist, keeping a positive outlook can be the first step towards your healthy life.

As we journey through life, our bodies change and adapt to the various challenges we face. One common challenge that many individuals encounter as they age is the onset of joint issues. Among these, knee osteoarthritis stands as one of the most prevalent and impactful conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. At AgEasy by Antara, we're dedicated to empowering seniors with a comprehensive understanding of knee osteoarthritis. From demystifying its causes and recognizing early symptoms to unveiling effective management and prevention strategies, our platform serves as your trusted resource. Join us in embracing knowledge as the first step towards better knee health, and let's navigate the path to comfort and vitality together.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis: The Basics

Knee osteoarthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the knee joint. In this, the joint cartilage1 starts degrading, causing the bones to rub each other and causing friction between them. This leads to pain, swelling, and a grinding feeling in the joint.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the development of knee osteoarthritis. One of the primary factors is age. As we age, the cartilage in our joints naturally undergoes wear and tear, making it more susceptible to damage. Genetics also play a role; if you have a family history of osteoarthritis, you may be more predisposed to developing the condition.

Other risk factors include obesity, which places additional stress on the knees, and previous knee injuries. Athletes or individuals with physically demanding jobs that involve repetitive knee movements are at a higher risk due to the increased strain on the joint. Additionally, gender may also play a role, as women are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than men.

Diagnosis

Understanding family and medical history to find more information about the cause of the disorder.

Physical examination, where the affected knee region is checked for any tenderness, popping or cracking sounds, pain levels, joint flexibility, and limb range of motion.

An X-ray of the knee joint is taken to confirm the findings. It offers precise and clear images of the knee joint and may show bone growths or joint constriction, the traditional markers for identifying knee osteoarthritis.

Management and Treatment options

Even though osteoarthritis has no known cure and is an irreversible disease, there are various ways for an affected person to take care of themselves and live a happy and healthy life.

There are two treatment options available: i) Surgical Treatment ii) Non-surgical treatment.

Surgical options

Surgical treatment options usually include procedures that require doctors' assistance to repair the damaged part of the body. These treatments are generally taken after exhaustion of non-surgical management.

The surgery option for knee osteoarthritis are:

1. Total knee replacement
2. Partial knee replacement
3. Knee Osteotomy2
4. Knee Arthroscopy3
5. Cartilage repair and restoration

Non-surgical options

There are non-surgical options also, which are preferred by the patients as these are self-management options that the patient can take up at their own pace and time.

1. Lifestyle Modification: Osteoarthritis patients need to exercise and lose weight. Exercise is important for an osteoarthritis patient as it helps keep the joint moving and improve muscle strength, which reduces pain and increases stability. Losing weight is important because it reduces the amount of pressure on the knees, which can further weaken them. Therefore following a healthy and nutritious diet is important to maintaining an ideal weight.
2. Joint Load Reduction: Joint load reduction devices help to support and stabilize the knee joint. They limit excessive movements, align the joint, absorb shock, and reduce swelling. Some devices also provide compression, which improves circulation. These devices include knee supports like kneecap braces and sleeves, footwear and insoles, and walking aids or mobility aids.
3. Nutraceuticals: Nutraceuticals are supplements made from plants or animals. They can help with other treatments, like exercise, to build muscle and lose weight. These supplements are enriched with anti-swelling properties that boost the immune system to fight inflammation. They also contain beneficial ingredients for strengthening the bone and improving overall bone health. The common ingredients that boost bone health are curcumin, chondroitin, glucosamine, collagen, and aflapin.
4. Pain Management: Pain is unavoidable for a patient suffering from osteoarthritis. But controlling pain is a vital part of the symptoms. Pain relief in the form of roll-ons, patches, or a pain relief gel is readily available over the counter. Ingredients, such as clove, wintergreen, and turmeric oils, can comprehensively reduce pain and ease symptoms. Although if the pain persists and becomes too severe, consult your doctor first.
5. Physical Therapy: Physical therapist’s at AGEasy by Antara can design a customized exercise program to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance joint mobility. They can also provide techniques to manage pain and teach proper body mechanics to minimize stress on the knees during daily activities.

At AGEasy by Antara, we believe that aging gracefully means enjoying every moment of life. That's why we're dedicated to providing high-quality products that help seniors maintain their independence, stay active, and live healthier lives.

Our carefully curated selection of products is designed to meet the needs and goals of our valued seniors. From supportive braces that promote mobility to effective pain relief solutions, nutraceuticals, and vitalizing vitamins, we have everything you need to live your best life.

Call our helpline +919911789911 to learn more about our brand and products.

Glossary

1 - Cartilage: A smooth and flexible tissue that cushions and protects the ends of bones in joints.

2 - Osteotomy: A surgical procedure where a bone is cut and reshaped to relieve pressure on damaged areas.

3 - Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive medical procedure that uses a small camera to view and treat problems inside a joint.

References:

1. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.991677/full
2. https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2474-11-142
3. https://www.maxhealthcare.in/blogs/knee-osteoarthritis-non-surgical-pain-relief