Knee Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the protective cartilage in your knee gradually wears down, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and joint damage.
Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis
- Age
- Obesity
- Previous knee injuries
- Repetitive stress from certain occupations or sports
- Genetics
Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Morning stiffness lasting under 30 minutes
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion
- Grinding sensation when moving the knee
Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis
- Physical exam
- Medical history
- X-rays or MRI to assess the knee joint and cartilage
- Blood tests to rule out other types of arthritis
Conservative Treatment Options
- Weight loss
- Physical therapy
- Low-impact exercise
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Bracing
- Walking aids
- Activity modification
Interventional Treatment Options
- Corticosteroid injections
- Viscosupplementation
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy
- Orthobiologics
- Joint replacement surgery (in severe cases)
Goals of Treatment
- Reduce pain
- Improve function and mobility
- Slow disease progression
- Maintain quality of life
- Avoid or delay the need for knee replacement when possible
