Knee Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

What is Osteoarthritis?

Where two bones form a joint, the end of each bone is covered in a smooth connective tissue called cartilage. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and allows for smooth movement within the joint.

As osteoarthritis causes degeneration of the cartilage it gets thinner and can even disappear completely.

In addition, the bones themselves become thicker and may form bony “spurs”. Associated with these changes is the inflammation of the synovial membrane or thin lining which surrounds the knee joint to keep the synovial fluid in place.

This condition can affect any joint but is most common in weight bearing joints such as the knee and hip.

General information on Osteoarthritis of the Knee

• This disease of the knee is common in people over 50 years of age, particularly women. It can affect either one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) sides of the knee joint however it occurs more commonly on the inner (medial) aspect of the knee.
  
• Previous injury to the knee increases the risk of this condition occurring in the future.
  
• Symptoms are known to develop slowly over a number of years.

Causes of Osteoarthritis in the knee

• If the knee has previously been injured e.g. meniscal cartilage or ligament trauma.
  
• Long term strenuous use of the knee joint.
  
• Previous fracture around the knee.
  
• Obesity.
  
• Genetic (hereditary) factors.

What are the symptoms of knee arthritis?

• The joint will ache particularly with movement
  
• There may be inflammation of the joint
  
• Stiffness in a joint, particularly in the morning. This usually decreases with movement.
  
• A crunching or grinding sound (crepitus) during the movement of the joint

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

• Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed by a Doctor.
• Knee supports or braces can be helpful to retain heat in the joint and provide support.
• Hot and cold therapy.
• An exercise programme may help to strengthen the knee.
• Weight loss may be helpful in overweight patients.
• Knee replacement surgery is a last resort treatment.

Recommended Products:

• Knee Braces - Can help to support and protect the knee joint.
• Hot and Cold Therapy - Can help with from pain and inflammation after exercise.

Please the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Arthritis of the Knee and other causes of knee pain.