Osteoarthritis bilateral knees is a common condition that affects many individuals, particularly as they age. This degenerative joint disease can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in both knees, making everyday activities challenging for those affected.
You use your knees for everyday movements and even stationary postures like standing. Antidepressants (127) such as duloxetine provide antidepressant, central pain-suppressing and anxiolytic effects. Topical medications such as capsaicin (128), diclofenac diethylamine cream (129) and methyl salicylate (130) relieve the symptoms of joint pain to a certain extent. A study has also shown that statins decrease the incidence of KOA and delay its progression (131).
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Bilateral Knees
Individuals with osteoarthritis in their bilateral knees may experience symptoms such as pain that worsens with activity, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. These symptoms can impact a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks.
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis in Bilateral Knees
There are several treatment options available for individuals with osteoarthritis in their bilateral knees. These may include physical therapy, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), injections such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, and in severe cases, surgery such as knee replacement.
Often, you’ll only experience symptoms in 1 joint, or a few joints at any 1 time. The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in your joints, which can make it difficult to move the affected joints and do certain activities. Acetaminophen is the most representative analgesic and the primary drug used to control symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate KOA. It causes less gastrointestinal irritation, has a good safety and tolerability profile and is less likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which makes it suitable for use in elderly patients. However, its analgesic effects are relatively weak, making it more suitable for patients with early-stage KOA or milder symptoms. In 2000, the ACR and EULAR recommended acetaminophen as the first-choice therapy for the treatment of OA, but large doses or long-term use may lead to liver or kidney damage (109).
It is important for individuals with osteoarthritis in bilateral knees to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goals. By following a tailored treatment regimen, individuals can manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
There is moderate evidence for weight loss based on the AAOS guidelines. The first-line treatment for all patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis includes patient education and physical therapy. A combination of supervised exercises and a home exercise program have been shown to have the best results. These benefits are lost after 6 months if the exercises are stopped. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends this treatment.
This degenerative tearing can lead to pain along the inside or outside the joint line of the knee. The soreness is typically prevalent when you perform repetitive tasks like squatting, stair climbing, or walking. After any type of surgery for arthritis of the knee, there is a period of recovery. Recovery time and rehabilitation depends on the type of surgery performed. The knee is made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
During the physical examination, the doctor will look for signs of swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Bilateral knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects both knees. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage on the ends of bones wears down, causing the bones to rub against one another. The future demands for healthcare are enormously outpacing the current methods of approach as can be seen here with just one disease. While many of the conditions listed above can be well managed, some knee pain may remain in spite of the treatments suggested. One of the best ways to cope with the remaining symptoms is to stay active.
Doctors who suspect bilateral knee OA may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis. These tests can show the extent of the damage to the joint and help the doctor determine the best course of treatment. Early detection of bilateral knee OA is important to prevent the joint damage in your knees from getting worse.
