Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder that can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the knees. The symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee joint can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs to watch out for.
Pain and Stiffness
One of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee joint is pain and stiffness. This pain is usually worse after periods of inactivity or overuse of the joint. It may also be more severe in the morning or after a long period of sitting.
In some cases, surgery may be required if all other treatment options have been tried. “This gets the quad and knee firing up again so that you can progress to other exercises,” says Dr. Paul. Osteoarthritis may lead to a variety of physical, mental, and emotional complications if left untreated. They may then order imaging tests to get a better look at your joints, such as X-ray or MRI. To help you wade (knee-deep) through the confusing world of injections, here’s a rundown of the most common kinds of shots and what the experts say about them. In some cases, you may also develop a bump at the base of your thumb where it joins your wrist.
Having this condition can make it difficult to walk, go up and down stairs, or perform other daily tasks. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that enables nearly frictionless joint motion. Try to maintain a healthy weight and avoid activities that put a lot of stress on your knees. Get treatment if you have symptoms of arthritis of the knee.
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. Learn all you can about your condition and how to manage it, especially about how lifestyle changes can affect your symptoms. Exercising and losing weight if you’re overweight are important ways to lessen the joint pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis.
AcupunctureThe use of traditional (needle), laser and/or electro acupuncture for knee OA is not supported by current clinical evidence. While some improvements in knee pain and function have been identified in low-quality studies, the benefits are considered so small that they’re not clinically relevant. Also to see any benefits from treatment, it‘s likely that you will need multiple sessions of acupuncture which could become quite costly. ParacetamolResearch has shown that paracetamol (e.g. Panadol, Panamax) provides only low-level pain relief and in some cases no pain relief at all compared to a placebo in knee OA.
Swelling and Inflammation
In addition to pain and stiffness, swelling and inflammation are also common symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee joint. This swelling is caused by an increase in the fluid in the joint, which can make the knee feel warm and tender to the touch.
Arthroplasty or knee replacement surgery is another option. Knee arthritis is inflammation and deterioration of knee joint cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery coating on the ends of bones that serves as a cushion and allows the knee to smoothly bend and straighten.
That said, treatment options may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and boost your quality of life. CapsaicinCapsaicin is the active ingredient in chilli peppers – it makes them ‘hot’. Capsaicin in creams and lotions has been used in osteoarthritis to help reduce pain and some people do report beneficial effects. However the evidence for its effectiveness in knee OA is low and it’s not generally recommended. It also has side effects when applied such as a burning sensation which may take several uses to wear off.
Decreased Range of Motion
Another symptom of osteoarthritis in the knee joint is a decreased range of motion. This means that you may have difficulty fully straightening or bending your knee, and you may feel as though your knee is “locking” or “catching” when you try to move it.
Cracking or Popping Sensation
Some people with osteoarthritis in the knee joint may experience a cracking or popping sensation when they move their knee. This can be due to the roughened surfaces of the joint rubbing together, or it could be a result of loose pieces of cartilage floating around in the joint.
Weakness in the Knee
Finally, weakness in the knee is another symptom of osteoarthritis in the knee joint. This weakness can make it difficult to bear weight on the affected knee, and it can also contribute to instability and an increased risk of falls.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of osteoarthritis in your knee joint, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. With early intervention and management, you can help alleviate pain and maintain function in your knee joint.
