Osteoarthritis behind the knee is a common condition that affects many people, especially those over the age of 50. This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected area.
The patella rests in a groove on top of the femur called the trochlear groove. When you bend and straighten your knee, the patella moves back and forth inside this groove. Due to the downward trend in respiratory viruses in Maryland, masking is no longer required but remains strongly recommended in Johns Hopkins Medicine clinical locations in Maryland. In this procedure, the surgeon will cut and reshape the bone.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial membrane that covers the knee joint begins to swell. Dr. Paul says when you suffer from a knee injury, it can be because the surrounding muscles aren’t strong enough to help offload forces on the knee. These exercises help improve strength to quash inside knee pain and prevent it from returning. This situation will have far-reaching consequences for those affected and for society as a whole. On the one hand, OA has a direct negative impact on the quality of life of those affected due to the typical pain, stiffness and decline of functionality [1].
Many alternative forms of therapy are unproven, but may be helpful to try, provided you find a qualified practitioner and keep your doctor informed of your decision. Alternative therapies to treat pain include the use of acupuncture, magnetic pulse therapy, platelet-rich plasma, and stem cell injections. Some changes in your daily life can protect your knee joint and slow the progress of arthritis. There is no cure for arthritis but there are a number of treatments that may help relieve the pain and disability it can cause. The major types of arthritis that affect the knee are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis.
In addition to these structural pathologic changes in the joint, there is accumulating evidence that inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of OA [3]. Factors that contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation include excessive energy intake, nutrient deficiency, obesity and abnormal metabolites [5]. Chronic low-grade inflammation, in turn, promotes local inflammation, which increases pain and effusion in the joint [4]. Together, local and chronic low-grade inflammation correlate with clinical symptoms of OA, accelerate the progression of the disease and might even influence its onset [4, 5].
Causes of Osteoarthritis Behind the Knee
The exact cause of osteoarthritis behind the knee is not fully understood, but there are several factors that may contribute to its development. These include aging, genetics, obesity, previous knee injuries, and overuse of the knee joint. Additionally, individuals who have certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, may be at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.
From there, you can increase the time by 5 to 10 minutes a week up to 30 minutes. If walking proves painful right now, consider activities that are less stressful on your joints, like biking, swimming or water aerobics. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), knee OA mostly affects adults over 50 years old. This is primarily attributed to years of wear and tear of the related joints. The extent of knee arthritis depends on how much you use your knees and which knee you use most often. Some people get OA in just one knee, which is known as unilateral OA.
Corticosteroids include cortisone, a hormone which has been shown to relieve OA pain when injected into the affected joint. They may also experience joint stiffness after sitting for long periods of time or when waking up in the morning. Joint swelling may be present after extended periods of motion as well. Several different therapies can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by this mild stage of OA. These therapies are mainly nonpharmacological, which means you don’t need to take medication for symptom relief.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis Behind the Knee
The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis behind the knee include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint. Individuals with this condition may also experience difficulty moving the knee, a cracking or popping sensation when bending the knee, and weakness in the leg muscles surrounding the joint. As osteoarthritis progresses, symptoms may worsen and affect daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis Behind the Knee
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis behind the knee, there are several treatment options available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include medications, physical therapy, weight management, corticosteroid injections, and in severe cases, surgery. It is important for individuals with osteoarthritis to work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their specific needs and goals.
