Osteoarthritis in both knees is a common condition that affects many individuals, especially as they age. This degenerative joint disease can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knees, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
Treatment might include nonsurgical treatments, injections and surgery. Typically, healthcare providers try non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. If the bilateral knee pain you are experiencing occurs after a traumatic event or if your symptoms are worsening, it is important to seek the care of a physician. Not only will a doctor help diagnose the cause of your pain, but they’ll be able to determine which treatment is right for you.
One of the primary causes of osteoarthritis in both knees is the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints. Over time, this cartilage can break down, leading to pain and inflammation in the knees. Other risk factors for developing osteoarthritis in the knees include obesity, genetics, injury, and repetitive stress on the joints.
Patient follow-up is routinely at 6 weeks, 3 months, and one year after surgery. Once strength, mobility, and balance are regained, patients can resume low-impact sporting activities. A TKA is the surgical treatment option for patients failing conservative management and those with osteoarthritis in more than one compartment. It is regarded as a valuable intervention for patients who have severe daily pain along with radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis. Posttraumatic arthritis is form of arthritis that develops after an injury to the knee.
Although you may begin treatment with noninvasive options, such as OTC medications and lifestyle changes, you may need stronger alternatives if symptoms continue to get worse. Your healthcare provider may order X-rays to check for bone spurs and other problems. The X-rays may show bone spurs, but the cartilage may continue to look normal.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis in both knees can vary from person to person but often include pain that worsens with activity, stiffness in the morning or after periods of inactivity, swelling, and a grating sensation when moving the knee. If left untreated, osteoarthritis in the knees can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis in Both Knees
While they do so, they can also repair an injury or clean out debris, such as bone fragments, from the joint to better preserve healthy joint tissue. Weight loss may also help reduce inflammation and the risk of other health issues, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Treatment usually includes a combination of therapies and lifestyle choices. In osteoarthritis of the spine, disks narrow and bone spurs form.
It’s the most common type of arthritis and affects some 32.5 million people in the United States. These include your medical history, level of pain, and the impact of OA on your daily life. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that worsens over time, often resulting in chronic pain. Joint pain and stiffness can become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. For some people, arthritis damages one side of the knee more than the other side.
By shifting your weight off the damaged side of the joint, an osteotomy can relieve pain and significantly improve function in your arthritic knee. Most people with osteoarthritis need to manage their symptoms for the rest of their lives. Your healthcare provider will help you find the right combination of treatments to reduce your symptoms. A healthcare provider will diagnose osteoarthritis with a physical exam and imaging tests. They’ll look at your joints and ask you when you first noticed any symptoms. Tell them if any activities make your symptoms worse, or if they come and go.
While osteoarthritis in both knees is a chronic condition with no cure, there are several treatment options available to help manage symptoms and improve joint function. These may include lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, physical therapy, pain medications, and corticosteroid injections.
In some cases, surgical interventions like arthroscopic surgery or knee replacement may be necessary to alleviate severe pain and restore mobility in the knees affected by osteoarthritis. It is essential for individuals with osteoarthritis in both knees to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goals.
Living with Osteoarthritis in Both Knees
Living with osteoarthritis in both knees can be challenging, but with proper management and support, individuals can lead active and fulfilling lives. It is crucial to prioritize self-care, maintain a healthy weight, engage in regular exercise, and communicate openly with healthcare providers about any changes in symptoms or concerns.
By taking a proactive approach to managing osteoarthritis in both knees, individuals can minimize pain, improve joint function, and enhance their overall well-being. Remember that each person’s experience with osteoarthritis is unique, so it is essential to seek individualized care and support to navigate this condition effectively.
