Osteoarthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a common condition that occurs as a result of the wear and tear of the cartilage that protects the ends of the bones in the joints.
The knee joint is one of the joints most susceptible to osteoarthritis, as this condition often appears in people over the age of 50, and women are more susceptible to it.
What are the Causes of Joint Osteoarthritis?
- Aging: Aging is one of the main causes of joint osteoarthritis. As we age, cartilage begins to lose its elasticity and its ability to absorb shocks becomes less, which leads to its erosion over time.
- Obesity: Obesity is one of the most important risk factors that increases the possibility of developing osteoarthritis of the joints, especially the knee joint. Excess weight increases pressure on the joints, which accelerates the erosion of cartilage.
- Joint injuries: Exposure to previous joint injuries or engaging in violent sports activities may cause damage to the cartilage, leading to joint osteoarthritis in later stages.
- Genetics: Osteoarthritis may be inherited, as studies indicate that there are genetic factors that increase the likelihood of developing this condition if a parent or relative suffers from it.
- Repetitive stress: Practicing activities that require constant pressure on the joints, such as heavy manual labor or intense exercise, can lead to cartilage erosion and joint roughness.
Symptoms of Joint Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis develop gradually and get worse over time. The severity of symptoms may vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms that most people with osteoarthritis experience:
- Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis. The pain may be sharp or intermittent, and gets worse when you move the affected joint or after a period of physical activity.
- Joint stiffness: People with osteoarthritis usually feel stiffness in the affected joint after a period of rest or upon waking up in the morning. This stiffness lasts for a few minutes to an hour before the joint begins to move easily.
- Joint swelling: Joint roughness may be accompanied by swelling in the affected area, as a result of fluid accumulation in the joint due to inflammation or tissue irritation.
- Limited range of motion: As osteoarthritis progresses, the affected person may notice difficulty moving the joint completely, as the range of motion becomes limited, and this may be accompanied by a feeling of stiffness or pain when trying to move the joint.
- Cracking or crackling sounds: The patient may hear crackling or popping sounds when moving the affected joint. This occurs as a result of the bones rubbing together after the cartilage wears down.
- Redness and warmth: The skin over the affected joint may become red and warm as a result of inflammation. If the redness and warmth are severe, this may be an indication of an infection that requires immediate medical advice.
- Loss of functional ability of the joint: In advanced cases of osteoarthritis, it may become difficult to perform usual daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs, leading to a significant impact on quality of life.
These symptoms may vary in severity and frequency depending on the degree of roughness and the location of the affected joint. It is important to deal with symptoms early and follow medical directions to limit the worsening of the condition.
Degrees of Joint Roughness
Joint osteoarthritis is classified into several grades depending on the extent of cartilage wear and deterioration of the joint condition. Here's an explanation of the different degrees of osteoarthritis:
- Grade 0 (normal joint): At this degree, the joint is completely healthy, and there are no signs or symptoms of roughness. The cartilage is healthy, and the person does not feel any pain or stiffness.
- Grade 1 (slight roughness): Also known as secondary osteoarthritis. At this stage, small bone spurs may begin to form around the joint. The person usually does not experience any pain or obvious symptoms, and the erosion of the cartilage may not be noticeable.
- Grade 2 (mild roughness): At this stage, some erosion of the cartilage can be seen on X-rays, and larger bone spurs may appear. A person begins to feel pain after prolonged physical activity or intense use of the joint. Slight joint stiffness may appear after periods of rest.
- Grade 3 (medium roughness): At this stage, cartilage wear becomes more noticeable, and the joint begins to lose some of its flexibility. The person suffers from recurring pain, especially when walking, bending, or climbing stairs. Noticeable joint stiffness appears after periods of rest, and swelling may occur around the joint.
- Grade 4 (severe roughness): This is the most advanced stage, as the cartilage is almost completely worn away, causing the bones to rub directly against each other. The person feels severe and constant pain, even during periods of rest. The joint may become very stiff and difficult to move. In some cases, joint function may be completely disrupted, significantly affecting the ability to carry out daily activities.
These scores help determine the extent of osteoarthritis and direct appropriate treatment based on the severity of the condition.
Treatment of Knee Roughness
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and accompanying symptoms. Treatment can include a combination of non-surgical and surgical procedures. Here are some popular options:
Non-surgical Treatment:
- Lifestyle change:
- Weight loss: Reducing excess weight can help reduce pressure on the knee joints, thus reducing pain and improving mobility.
- Exercise: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, such as the quadriceps, can improve joint stability and relieve pain.
- Physical therapy:
- Stretching exercises: Stretching exercises and low-impact aerobic exercises, such as swimming and cycling, help improve range of motion and flexibility.
- Electrical stimulation: Physical therapists may use electrical stimulation to reduce pain and stimulate muscles.
- Pharmaceutical:
- Painkillers: such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, can help relieve pain.
- Cortisone injections: Cortisone injections into the joint can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
- Supports and aids: Using knee braces or special medical insoles can help distribute weight better and reduce pressure on the knee joint.
Surgical Treatment:
- Arthroscopy: This procedure involves inserting a small instrument through a small incision in the knee to remove or repair damaged tissue. It is usually used in cases that do not respond to non-surgical treatment.
- Osteotomy: In this procedure, bone is cut in the thigh or leg to redirect the load away from the damaged part of the knee.
- Knee replacement: In severe cases, replacing the entire knee joint may be the most appropriate solution. The damaged parts of the knee are replaced with an artificial joint.
Alternative Treatment:
- Natural treatments: Some may turn to complementary treatments such as acupuncture or taking nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, although evidence of their effectiveness varies.
It is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor to determine what is best based on your individual condition. If you suffer from knee osteoarthritis, do not hesitate to consult a doctor to determine a treatment plan that suits your needs and improves your quality of life.
Read also: The best medicine for treating osteoarthritis
How Can Joint Osteoarthritis Be Dealt With?
To alleviate joint osteoarthritis and limit its development, it is recommended to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining an ideal weight, exercising regularly to strengthen the muscles around the joints, and avoiding activities that put excessive pressure on the joints.
In conclusion, osteoarthritis is a common problem that can greatly affect the quality of life if not treated properly. A good understanding of the causes of osteoarthritis, such as aging, obesity, and repetitive injuries, can help you take preventive steps to avoid worsening the condition.
If you are experiencing any similar symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. Making an appointment with Dr. Imad Rafael can be the first step towards relieving your pain and restoring your normal lifestyle.
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