Knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the knee joint. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces, causing pain, inflammation, and difficulty moving the knee. Over time, the joint can deteriorate further, which can lead to deformity and disability. It is more common in older people, but can also affect younger people due to previous injuries.

Causes of knee osteoarthritis
The cause of knee osteoarthritis is multifactorial and not yet fully recognized. However, several factors have been identified that contribute to its development, including:

• Age: Aging increases the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis due to the natural wear and tear of cartilage.
• Injuries: Injuries to the knee, such as fractures or sprains, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the future.
• Overweight or obesity: Excess weight can increase pressure on the knee joints, which can accelerate cartilage wear.
• Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing knee osteoarthritis due to bone structure or cartilage biology.
• Physical activity: Activities that place a high impact on the knees, such as soccer or basketball, can increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
• Poor alignment of the lower extremities: Knocked-out limbs (genu valgum) or knocked-out limbs (genu varum) can put stress on part of the knee and cause osteoarthritis.
• Muscle imbalances: The muscles of the leg and hip are important for stabilizing the knee, and when they are weak or imbalanced, they can contribute to the development of knee osteoarthritis.
• Other factors: Some inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or metabolic diseases such as diabetes can also increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
The diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. The following are some of the steps that can be taken to diagnose the condition:

• Medical history: Your doctor may ask questions about your symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your knee. They may also ask about risk factors, such as age, previous injuries, and weight.
• Physical exam: Your doctor may examine your knee, looking for signs of swelling, deformity, or tenderness. They may also assess your knee mobility and your ability to walk or climb stairs.
• Imaging tests: X-rays are the most commonly used imaging test to diagnose knee osteoarthritis. They can show signs of cartilage and joint wear, such as joint space narrowing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another diagnostic tool used to assess cartilage status and knee inflammation.
• Other tests: In some cases, your doctor may order additional tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis or a meniscal injury.

It's important to note that a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis should be made by an orthopedic and trauma specialist. Symptoms can be similar to other conditions, and an accurate diagnosis is crucial to establishing appropriate treatment.

Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment
Treatment for knee osteoarthritis focuses on relieving pain and improving joint mobility. Treatment may include a combination of noninvasive measures and surgery. Some of the most common treatment options include:

• Medications: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help relieve pain. The use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs should be discussed with your doctor and their instructions followed.
• Ultrasound-guided injections: Ultrasound-guided injections of various drugs (corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or platelet growth factors, among others) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee and improve joint mobility. Your physical therapist can teach specific exercises to strengthen the knee and improve stability.
• Orthopedic Devices: Orthopedic devices, such as knee braces or support insoles, can help reduce pain and improve knee stability.
• Surgery: In severe cases of knee osteoarthritis, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged joint. Surgery may include arthroscopy, osteotomy, or total knee replacement. The orthopedic surgeon must evaluate whether it is necessary and which surgery is most appropriate.

It is important to keep in mind that treatment for knee osteoarthritis should be personalized for each patient and should consider individual factors, such as disease severity, symptoms, and treatment goals.

Make an appointment with Dr. Jordi Jiménez. He will see you in the center of Palma and help you regain your quality of life.