Knee osteoarthritis
- 19/12/2022
What is 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.
What are the 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: Knee injuries, 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 put high impact on the knees, such as soccer or basketball, can increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
- Lower extremity malalignment: Knocked-out limbs (genu valgum) or knocked-out limbs (genu varum) can put pressure 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.
How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Below are some steps to diagnose the condition:
- Medical history: Your doctor may ask you 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 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 inflammation in the knee.
- 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 meniscus injury.
How is knee osteoarthritis treated?
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 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help relieve pain. You should discuss the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs with your doctor and follow their instructions.
- Ultrasound-guided injections: Ultrasound-guided injections of various medications (corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, 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 you specific exercises to strengthen your knee and improve stability.
- Orthotic Devices: Orthotic 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. Your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate whether surgery is necessary and which is most appropriate.
It is important to keep in mind that knee osteoarthritis treatment must be personalized for each patient and consider individual factors, such as the severity of the disease, 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.
