Knee Replacement

KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS (KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS)

Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” osteoarthritis, is a common disease in middle-aged people. Knee osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. The development of the disease is slow and the pain worsens over time. Although there is no cure, there are many treatment options available to help control pain, stay active, and lead a fulfilling life.

WHAT IS KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative disease of the knee. A healthy knee can bend and straighten without difficulty, thanks to soft, slippery tissue called articular cartilage, which covers, protects, and cushions the ends of the bones that make up the knee.

Between these bones are two C-shaped menisci (cartilage) that act as “shock absorbers” for the knee joint. Osteoarthritis wears away these cartilages.

HOW IS IT PRESENTED?

Osteoarthritis occurs over time. As cartilage wears away, it deteriorates and becomes rough. So when you move, you feel pain in the area that is not protected by cartilage.

When the cartilage wears away completely, the bones rub against each other. And, to compensate for the loss of cartilage, damaged bones can begin to grow and form painful spurs.

SYMPTOMS.

Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. In general, the symptoms are worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.

WHAT CAUSES KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS?

AGE

Cartilage’s ability to repair itself can decline with age. Osteoarthritis typically affects middle-aged and older people.

INHERITANCE

A link between certain genes and osteoarthritis has been observed. Some hereditary traits, such as bowlegs, knock-knees, or joint laxity, can increase your risk of this disease.

WEIGHT

The greater your weight, the more weight is supported by your knee joints

INJURIES

A previous knee injury, such as a sports injury, can cause osteoarthritis in the future.

EXCESSIVE USE

People who must kneel or stoop, lift heavy objects, and walk as part of their job are more vulnerable to repetitive strain injuries to the knee. This makes them more prone to developing osteoarthritis.

OTHER DISEASES

If you’ve had other knee problems, such as gout, infection, or Lyme disease, you’re at higher risk for osteoarthritis.

IS IT BETTER TO MAKE AN EARLY DIAGNOSIS?

Because osteoarthritis worsens over time, the sooner you start treatment, the better the outcome.

After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may order X-rays to confirm the presence of osteoarthritis. X-rays show whether cartilage damage has narrowed the joint space that separates the knee bones.

Normal joint space between the femur and tibia.

Reduced joint space due to damaged cartilage and spurs.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TREATMENT OPTIONS?

Your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain and reduce joint stiffness.

CHANGES IN LIFESTYLE

If the pain does not interfere with your daily life, your doctor may recommend that you first make some lifestyle changes to protect your joints and slow the progression of the disease.

Exercise: If you regularly do high-impact exercises (such as running or competitive sports), you can take the stress off your knee by substituting low-impact exercises. Walking, bicycling, and swimming are good low-impact activity options.

Weight loss: If you are overweight, losing just a few pounds can make a big difference in the level of stress on your knee joint.

Physical therapy: Specific exercises can improve the range of motion of your knee and strengthen the muscles in your leg that support the joint. Assistive devices, such as braces, splints, or shoe inserts, also help take stress off the joint.

MEDICINES

If the pain affects your daily routine, or is not relieved by the initial methods, your doctor may incorporate medication into your treatment plan.

Acetaminophen: Although it does not reduce swelling, acetaminophen can relieve mild pain with few side effects.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Drugs such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling.

Dietary supplements: Some over-the-counter supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, may relieve pain in some people. Talk to your doctor before using supplements.

Steroid injections: Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is injected directly into the knee joint.

Viscosupplements: This injection therapy can relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis in patients who do not respond to other non-surgical options.

Plasma Rich in Growth Factors: New treatment that is achieving very good results.

SURGERY

Your doctor may consider surgery if your pain worsens and makes you incapacitated.

Arthroscopy: This procedure may be used to remove small pieces of detached or torn cartilage, or to smooth the surface of worn cartilage. The more advanced the osteoarthritis, the less effective arthroscopy is. Osteotomy. A cut is made in the bones surrounding the knee to realign them and take pressure off the knee joint.

Joint Replacement:Knee replacement can be total or partial. The entire knee joint or damaged parts are removed and replaced with an artificial device (joint prosthesis).