The hip joint shown on the left side of the image is normal, but the hip joint shown on the right side of the image shows deterioration of cartilage and the formation of bone spurs due to osteoarthritis. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. Treatment might include nonsurgical treatments, injections and surgery.
Chronic knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the knee to break down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
However, if the other medicines do not work, a doctor may eventually prescribe an opioid. Experts suggest working with a trainer or exercising with other people to help you stay motivated. It can be as simple as inviting a friend, neighbor, or family member to join you on a daily walk.
Symptoms of Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis
Eventually, the cartilage loss may be so severe there is essentially none left covering the ends of the bones in the knee joint (known as a bone-on-bone abnormality). Loose bodies in the joint space may also contribute to pain and stiffness. Two systematic reviews5,12 evaluated the quality of included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool, which is a well-known and widely-used instrument for such purposes. While one of the reviews12 reported that the assessment was performed independently by two investigators, the other review5 did not provide details on whether or not the evaluations were done in duplicate.
It can improve also your quality of life and help you better keep up with your day-to-day activities. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.
Some common symptoms of chronic knee osteoarthritis include:
X-ray is the first-choice imaging modality in the diagnosis of KOA. In general, anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the knee joint, particularly the weight-bearing views, are required for the comparison of bilateral knee joints (78). In the early stage of disease, X-ray findings are usually negative, with small osteophytes occasionally seen on the superior and inferior patellar edges. Advanced disease manifests as narrowing of the joint space, bone sclerosis, cystic changes, osteophyte formation along joint edges, subchondral ossification or cystic changes, or joint deformation (79).
That’s because the joint space between bones is dramatically reduced. People with stage 3 OA of the knee are likely to experience frequent pain when walking, running, bending, or kneeling. Long-term therapy with these medications may cause other problems. NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers, cardiovascular problems, and kidney and liver damage. At this stage, synovial fluid is also typically still present at sufficient levels for normal joint motion. Stage 2 OA of the knee is considered a mild stage of the condition.
- Pain: Pain in the knee that worsens with activity
- Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint
- Stiffness: Stiffness in the knee, especially after periods of inactivity
- Decreased range of motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
Knee osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is typically the result of wear and tear and progressive loss of articular cartilage. Knee osteoarthritis can be divided into two types, primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis is articular degeneration without any apparent underlying reason. Secondary osteoarthritis is the consequence of either an abnormal concentration of force across the joint as with post-traumatic causes or abnormal articular cartilage, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis, commonly known as wear-and-tear arthritis, is a condition in which the natural cushioning between joints – cartilage – wears away.
Treatment Options for Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis
There are several treatment options available for chronic knee osteoarthritis, including:
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to help manage pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy: Exercises to improve strength and flexibility in the knee joint
- Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to reduce pain and inflammation
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged knee joints
FAQs about Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis
Q: Can chronic knee osteoarthritis be prevented?
A: While it may not be entirely preventable, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding injury can help reduce the risk of developing chronic knee osteoarthritis.
Q: How is chronic knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?
A: A healthcare provider will typically perform a physical exam, review medical history, and may order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to diagnose chronic knee osteoarthritis.
