The knee joint is the most affected by osteoarthritis. This happens when the cartilage covering the inside surface of the knee wears down, leading to what is called Knee Osteoarthritis.
Knee osteoarthritis is the most common cause of musculoskeletal disability. It starts developing before symptoms like stiffness and limited movement appear. So, getting diagnosed and treated early is key to avoid the disease getting worse.
In this article, we will learn about knee osteoarthritis symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Knee osteoarthritis develops slowly over time and often goes unnoticed until many symptoms appear. Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis may include:
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Knee pain, usually worse after physical activity or overusing the knee.
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Stiffness in the knee joint.
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Limited range of motion.
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Clicking or buzzing sound in the knee.
As knee osteoarthritis progresses, symptoms generally get worse. The pain can become constant and not just happen when standing, walking, or exercising.
With severe progression, clicking or grinding can become noticeable. Also, there might be clear deformity in the knee joint or a feeling that the knee can't do its job.
Usually, one knee is more affected than the other, but both can be affected, often at different times.
Causes of knee osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis happens because the cartilage lining inside the knee wears down. This protective tissue lets the bones in the joint slide smoothly over each other.
In the end, cartilage loss can be so severe that nothing covers the ends of the bones in the knee joint, causing abnormal bone contact and resulting in pain and stiffness.
Causes of cartilage loss leading to knee osteoarthritis can include:
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Aging, getting older.
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Previous knee injury like a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscus injury that can affect knee and leg alignment, increasing cartilage wear.
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Repeated stress on the knee.
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Genetic tendency for cartilage defects and knee joint inflammation.
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Obesity or excess weight adds pressure on affected joints and increases inflammation.
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Problems in the bone under the cartilage, meaning the bone layer below the cartilage in the knee.
How to diagnose knee osteoarthritis
Like with any joint inflammation, the first checkup with a healthcare provider starts with discussing symptoms. The pain location and timing help diagnose knee osteoarthritis.
Pain usually gets worse at the front of the knee, the patellofemoral joint, from sitting long, standing, climbing stairs or going downhill. Usually, there's no pain behind the knee unless it’s linked to a Baker's cyst, which is a fluid-filled sac causing pain behind the knee.
Also, knee pain from advanced osteoarthritis may cause sleep problems.
The healthcare provider also reviews the patient’s medical and family history and does physical exams, then does some other tests that include the following:-
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Checking the affected knee for swelling, warmth, and deformity, which may point to osteoarthritis or other conditions.
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Assessing the knee’s range of motion both passively and actively.
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Note pain and tenderness when touched.
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Watch walking to check for changes in gait.
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Watch for signs of increased pain when bearing weight.
Also, blood tests should be done to rule out other types of arthritis, and imaging tests to look for signs of structural changes that match knee osteoarthritis.
The healthcare provider might first order X-rays. If more detailed imaging is needed, MRI or CT scans may be requested. They can also check the knee condition during arthroscopic surgery.
Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Options
Knee osteoarthritis can't be cured but there are treatments that help manage symptoms, like easing pain, improving movement, slowing disease progression, and many treatment options are available.
Knee osteoarthritis treatment options include:-
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Physical therapy sessions.
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Exercises like tai chi, yoga, and balance training.
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Working on weight loss.
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Using a cane.
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Using knee braces.
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Topical and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Steroid injections into the joint.
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Cold and hot treatments.
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Acupuncture treatment.
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Acetaminophen.
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Topical capsaicin.
Also, knee surgery might be used as a last resort if other treatments fail. There are also some other treatment options that can be recommended, which include:-
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Biologic drugs.
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Stem cell injections.
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Hyaluronic acid injections.
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Platelet-rich plasma.
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Electrical stimulation through the skin.
In the end, controlling knee roughness means spotting early symptoms and seeing a healthcare provider to get the right diagnosis. Once diagnosed, you should stick to the treatment options your provider suggests and closely manage any changeable factors that could affect how it progresses.
