What Are the Causes and Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a very common ailment that develops in approximately 46% of the population, most after age 40. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis of the knee, many treatments are available that can slow its progress and ease the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery is an option. But as one of the top physical therapists in Franklin, we’ve helped many individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Whether you currently have it or are waiting on a diagnosis, here’s everything you need to know about the condition.

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis of the knee occurs when the cartilage that acts as a cushion and a shock absorber between joints wears away. This results in the bones of the joints rubbing against one another, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility. 

Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is most commonly caused by age and wear and tear over time, but other factors include weight, heredity, and injuries. Women are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than men. Athletes are also more prone to develop knee osteoarthritis than others. Those who repetitively lift heavy weights, kneel, or squat in their jobs or for other reasons put added stress on their knee joints, which can lead to developing knee osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

The most common symptom of knee osteoarthritis is pain and stiffness in the knee joint. The pain can be all around the knee or localized in a certain place, such as the front or side. You might only experience pain in your knee when you move it a certain way. The pain may only be in one knee or both and can get worse as the day progresses. Swelling and tenderness in your knee are other common symptoms. Knee osteoarthritis can cause the knee joint to feel unstable and buckle when you put weight on it.

Knee Osteoarthritis Myths

Knee osteoarthritis can be compared to a machine that wears down over time and at some point needs to be repaired or retired. A common perception is that you should refrain from using your knees as much as possible once they have worn down. But doctors and physical therapists recommend that people with knee osteoarthritis continue to engage in physical activity and focus on what they can do instead of what they can’t.

Treatment and Prevention of Knee Osteoarthritis

Because most people use their knee joints every day, it is nearly impossible to prevent some degree of knee osteoarthritis. However, you can take steps to minimize the risk that you will develop it. Some common ways to help treat and prevent knee osteoarthritis include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight – added weight puts pressure on not only your knee joints, but your hips, ankles, and feet as well. 
• Exercise regularly – exercise helps to keep knee joints from getting stiff and strengthens the muscles around the knee. Try to do at least 30 minutes of exercise 3 or 4 times a week. Jog or run on soft surfaces, engage in low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling, and incorporate weight training in your fitness routine. Your healthcare provider or physical therapist can help provide exercises that are safe and effective for you.
• Get plenty of rest – when you rest, you give your knee joints time to recuperate from daily use. Rest helps reduce swelling of the joints and alleviates pain as well. 
• Proper nutrition – eating healthy and getting the vitamins and other nutrients you need every day can help reduce inflammation and pain. 

Other non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis include: 

• Medications – The common medications used to treat knee osteoarthritis are pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. These may include over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or anti-inflammatory medicines like Motrin or Advil). If these over-the-counter medications prove ineffective, your doctor can prescribe stronger drugs for you. 
• Corticosteroid injections – Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that are injected into the knee joint.
• Hyaluronic acid injections – Hyaluronic acid may relieve pain by providing some lubrication and cushioning in your knee. 
• Knee braces – A brace can add stability to your knees. 
• Physical therapy – Physical therapists can show how to safely strengthen muscles, reduce pain, and increase flexibility in your joints. They can provide you with an effective exercise routine that you can do on your own. 
• Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapists show you ways to safely perform everyday tasks without putting added stress on your knee joints. 

In a small number of cases where non-surgical treatments have proven ineffective or the joint is severely damaged, surgery is the next option. Some common surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis include:

• Cartilage grafting – a surgeon inserts healthy cartilage into the joint.
• Knee osteotomy.
• Knee joint replacement – a surgeon replaces the joint with an artificial one made of plastic and metal.
• Joint fusing – in cases where a joint replacement is not suitable, a surgeon can fuse your joint in a permanent position. This will greatly reduce the pain, but you won’t be able to move it. 

Contact an Experienced Physical Therapist in Franklin

If you’re struggling with pain in your knees from osteoarthritis, it’s important to contact a physical therapist to ensure you get the best care! To schedule an appointment, contact Franklin’s top-rated physical therapist, Dr. Javier Pere, at (629) 239-3170!