Are you looking for a treatment for knee osteoarthritis?
Do you experience health problems while walking or climbing stairs due to osteoarthritis and want to find an effective and permanent solution?
You've come to the right place! Follow this article on evercare's website to learn about the most important symptoms of knee osteoarthritis in its various stages and how to treat it properly.
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the knee joint, significantly impacting mobility and walking ability.
It occurs due to the deterioration of the cartilage that covers this area.
Osteoarthritis leads to difficulty in moving the joint due to inflammation or injuries that cause cartilage erosion.
The primary function of cartilage is to facilitate movement.
When affected, the patient experiences varying degrees of pain depending on the severity of the osteoarthritis, often requiring medical treatment and, in some cases, physical therapy sessions.
The joint is a crucial part of the body, where two bones meet—such as the thigh and the shinbone—ending with a smooth, slippery cushion called cartilage, which protects the joints from stress.
These cartilages allow easy movement, and any damage to them results in knee pain when sitting, initiating movement, or even getting out of bed in the morning.
Cartilage erosion in the knee may occur due to aging and is a common condition among women over the age of 50.
How is Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
Doctors use various methods to diagnose knee osteoarthritis and determine the appropriate treatment, including:
- Clinical examination
- Blood tests
- X-ray imaging
In many cases, the patient may only need physical therapy sessions. However, in some situations, surgical intervention and consultation with a rheumatologist may be required.
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Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis depend on its causes and severity.
If caused by an injury, symptoms are usually limited to the affected area.
However, osteoarthritis resulting from joint inflammation due to rheumatic diseases presents different symptoms, as does osteoarthritis caused by aging.
Generally, common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:
- Swelling
- Warmth in the knee
- Tingling sensation
- Redness
- Pain
- Numbness in the knee
- Bruising on the skin
- Knee instability
- Muscle weakness
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Stages of Knee Osteoarthritis
The treatment method for knee osteoarthritis depends on the cause, type, and severity of the condition.
There are five stages of knee osteoarthritis, each with its own symptoms:
- Stage 0:
This is the normal stage where no symptoms or pain appear.
- Stage 1 (Mild Osteoarthritis):
Also known as secondary osteoarthritis, this stage involves the appearance of small bone spurs in the knee area, often without pain.
- Stage 2 (Mild Osteoarthritis):
Can be detected via X-rays, which show bone spurs larger than cartilage that remains intact.
Patients may experience pain when kneeling, bending, or walking long distances.
- Stage 3 (Moderate Osteoarthritis):
Significant cartilage damage occurs, reducing the space between the bones.
Patients frequently experience pain when walking, running, bending, or kneeling.
Morning stiffness or stiffness after prolonged sitting is also common.
- Stage 4 (Severe Osteoarthritis):
Patients experience intense pain even with minimal movement, as the space between bones is significantly reduced, limiting flexibility.
In this stage, cartilage is almost completely worn out, making movement difficult and often requiring surgical intervention.
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Permanent Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
The treatment for knee osteoarthritis varies depending on the doctor’s diagnosis, which determines the severity of the condition through clinical examination, imaging, and laboratory tests.
Based on the diagnosis, the treatment plan may include one of the following options:
Medication for Knee Osteoarthritis
Medication should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision. The main treatments include:
- Injections: Typically, steroid injections and hyaluronic acid injections.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for moderate cases.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements: Rarely prescribed due to associated risks.
- Topical pain relievers: Creams and medicated ointments are commonly used for mild cases.
Surgical Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
For severe osteoarthritis, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve pain and restore function. Common procedures include:
- Osteotomy: Reducing joint pressure by cutting a section of bone.
- Arthroscopic surgery: Suitable for severe cases in individuals over 40 years old.
- Joint replacement surgery: Used for advanced osteoarthritis where cartilage is completely eroded.
The damaged part is replaced with artificial components.
Home Remedies for Knee Osteoarthritis
For mild cases, home remedies and alternative medicine may help alleviate symptoms without introducing chemicals into the body.
Effective home treatments include:
- Exercise: Strengthening knee muscles enhances joint stability and flexibility.
- Weight loss: Following a diet to reduce excess weight can relieve joint pressure.
- Cold and hot compresses: Applying compresses to the affected area reduces pain.
- Massage therapy: Weekly knee massages can help relieve pain and improve mobility.
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FAQs About Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment
What is the treatment for stage 3 knee osteoarthritis?
Treatment includes physical therapy sessions, lifestyle changes, weight loss, and medical pain management.
Which foods increase synovial fluid?
Foods rich in vitamin C, healthy fats, and fish help increase synovial fluid.
Which vitamin strengthens the knees?
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and knee strength.