Osteoarthritis in the Knee
Safe, effective options to manage knee osteoarthritis and restore mobility
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a condition that results in the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint.
Cartilage acts like a smooth cushion, allowing the bones in your knee to glide effortlessly against each other. But with osteoarthritis, this cartilage wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other. This friction leads to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving your knee.
Imagine your knee joint as a hinge. The hinge connects your thigh bone (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). The kneecap (patella) sits in front of the joint, adding an extra layer of protection. In a healthy knee smooth cartilage covers the ends of these bones, ensuring frictionless movement. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage thins and breaks down over time and the bones can start to grind against each other. Because there are three bones involved in the knee joint, health care professionals assess each of the three compartments separately. You can develop osteoarthritis in one or all of these compartments.
Understanding knee osteoarthritis
People living with knee osteoarthritis experience a variety of symptoms, including pain in the knee, especially when active, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair. The pain may also worsen with prolonged sitting or inactivity. Patients also notice stiffness in their knee, particularly noticeable in the mornings or after periods of rest. This stiffness may improve with movement but can take time to fully subside. You or your healthcare provider may also notice a reduced range of motion in your knee. Simple tasks like bending your knee fully or straightening your leg may become more difficult. Some patients may notice a grating or popping sensation in your knee with movement. This sound, technically defined as crepitus, is caused by the bones rubbing together in the absence of smooth cartilage. Some people also report a sensation of instability or ‘giving way’ in their knee.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis: age, excess weight, previous injuries like fractures, ligament tears, or meniscus tears, and family history. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help manage the symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve your overall quality of life.
Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis
Surgical Treatments
While non-surgical treatments are preferred initially, in some cases, surgery may be necessary as the disease progresses. There are a few types of surgery offered for knee OA and it is important to match the right procedure to the right patient. At Windflower Orthopedics, we offer total knee replacements. In total knee replacements, the entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components. This is a major surgery but can significantly improve pain and mobility. It is suitable for patients with moderate to severe knee OA and has very durable results and allows weight bearing the same day as surgery.
It is crucial to discuss all treatment options with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. They can weigh the potential benefits and risks of each approach and create a personalized treatment plan to manage your knee osteoarthritis effectively.
Non-surgical Treatments
There are a variety of non-surgical options for managing knee OA symptoms. Often patients are told to lose weight. Reducing excess weight does reduce the biomechanical pressure on the knee joint, lessening pain and strain, however it is important to acknowledge that it does not directly affect the disease process and is often very difficult for patients to achieve. Regular exercise strengthens the muscles surrounding the knee joint, improving stability and reducing pain. If your pain and other symptoms are limiting your ability to exercise, a physiotherapist can teach you specific exercises to improve your range of motion, flexibility, and strength in your knee, ultimately reducing pain and stiffness. Canes, walkers, or knee braces can provide support and stability, reducing stress on the knee joint and improving mobility. Often, physiotherapists or occupational therapists can help you with choosing and fitting these devices.
Medications for pain and swelling are an important non-surgical treatment option. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help manage mild to moderate pain and inflammation. If those are not sufficient to manage your symptoms, stronger pain relievers or corticosteroids may be prescribed by your doctor for more severe pain or inflammation. Applying heat or ice packs to your knee can also help manage pain and inflammation. Heat is often helpful for stiffness, while ice can be beneficial for reducing swelling after activity.
Additional Knee Arthritis Links
Dr. Bryce Henderson MD FRCSC
MEDICAL DIRECTOR, WINDFLOWER ORTHOPEDICS
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