Introduction:
Welcome to our patient education resource on knee arthritis. If you’re experiencing knee pain, stiffness, or decreased mobility, you’re not alone. Knee arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In this guide, we’ll explore what knee arthritis is, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and tips for managing your condition effectively.
What is Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis of the knee, is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. This deterioration leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, giving way and reduced range of motion in the knee. While knee arthritis primarily affects older adults, it can also develop as a result of injury, overuse, or genetic factors.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of knee arthritis include:
- Persistent knee pain, particularly during weight-bearing activities or after prolonged periods of rest
- Swelling and inflammation around the knee joint
- Stiffness and difficulty moving the knee, especially in the morning or after sitting for an extended period
- Grating or popping sensations (crepitus) when moving the knee
- Instability or weakness in the knee joint, leading to difficulty walking or performing daily activities
Diagnosis:
If you’re experiencing symptoms of knee arthritis, it’s essential to seek evaluation from an orthopaedic surgeon. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive physical examination, review of medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. These diagnostic tools help your surgeon assess the extent of joint damage and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Treatment Options:
While there’s no cure for knee arthritis, several treatment options can help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life:
- Medications
- Joint Injections
- Physical Therapy
- Assistive Devices
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Surgical Intervention
- Regular Panadol osteo is slightly stronger than Panadol and so only 2 tablets three times a day should be used instead of the 2 tablets 4 times a day with Panadol.
- Short courses of anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce painful flare ups. Anti-inflammatory medication can interact with other medications so please check with your doctor first
- Various different injections are available including cortisol, hyaluronic, platelet rich plasma, prolotherapy and other experimental drugs have been used with varying success. These generally can provide some relief for a period and the options can be discussed with your doctor.
- A customized exercise program can strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint, improve flexibility, and enhance joint stability.
- Using knee braces, orthotic inserts, or walking aids can provide support and reduce pressure on the affected knee.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in low-impact exercises, and using proper body mechanics can help reduce stress on the knee joint and slow the progression of arthritis.
- In advanced cases of knee arthritis, surgical procedures such as key hole surgery (knee arthroscopy), osteotomy, Partial or Total Knee Replacement may be recommended to relieve pain and restore function to the knee joint.
Living Well with Knee Arthritis
Living with knee arthritis requires proactive management and self-care. Here are some tips for coping with your condition and maintaining an active lifestyle:
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Stay Active:
Engage in regular exercise, such as swimming, cycling, or walking, to keep your joints flexible and strengthen surrounding muscles. - Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can exacerbate symptoms of knee arthritis by placing added strain on the knee joint. Eat a balanced diet and aim to achieve a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your knees.
- Protect Your Joints: Avoid high-impact activities and repetitive motions that can exacerbate knee pain and accelerate joint degeneration.
- Use Assistive Devices: Utilise supportive footwear, knee braces, or walking aids as needed to reduce stress on your knees and improve mobility.
- Communicate with Your Healthcare Team Stay in regular contact with your orthopaedic surgeon and other healthcare providers to monitor your condition, address any concerns, and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.
Partial and Total Knee Replacements
Knee replacement often called arthroplasty are surgical procedures performed to address advanced knee arthritis and restore function to the affected joint. In a partial knee replacement, only the damaged portion of the knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant, preserving healthy bone and tissue whenever possible. This procedure is ideal for patients with arthritis confined to a specific compartment of the knee.
On the other hand, total knee replacement involves replacing the entire knee joint with prosthetic components made of metal or plastic. This comprehensive approach is suitable for individuals with widespread arthritis affecting multiple compartments of the knee.
Both partial and total knee replacements aim to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life, enabling patients to return to their daily activities with renewed confidence and comfort. Each procedure is tailored to the unique needs and anatomy of the patient, and outcomes are often favourable, offering long-term relief and restored function for individuals affected by severe knee arthritis.
Navigation-assisted, patient-specific jigs, and robotic-assisted surgery are advanced techniques revolutionising orthopaedic procedures, particularly in knee replacements. Navigation-assisted surgery utilises computerised imaging to create a detailed map of the patient’s anatomy, allowing surgeons to precisely plan and execute each step of the procedure with enhanced accuracy. Patient-specific jigs are custom-made guides designed based on preoperative imaging, enabling surgeons to align and position implants with optimal precision tailored to the individual’s anatomy. Robotic assisted surgery integrates robotic accuracy with surgeon decision making processes to allow specific implant placement and alignment. The aim of these innovative approaches is to reduce the risk of complications, provide faster recovery times, and improved long-term outcomes for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.
Conclusion:
While knee arthritis can be challenging, it’s essential to remember that you have options for managing your condition and improving your quality of life. By working closely with your orthopaedic surgeon and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can minimize pain, maximize function, and continue to enjoy the activities you love. Don’t let knee arthritis hold you back – take control of your health and embrace life to the fullest!