Knee Osteoarthritis

knee osteoarthritis

What is Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis represents an incurable, progressive degenerative disorder. It includes the gradual wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee joint, causing pain and inflammation when the bones finally begin to rub against one another. The knee is considered a weight-bearing joint and hence is under constant stress, particularly while walking, running, and standing. As the cartilage deteriorates, the joint loses its smooth gliding movement and may subsequently feel stiff, swell, and lose some range of motion. 

Whereas all joints are at risk for osteoarthritis, the knee is a particularly vulnerable joint because it bears much use. Individuals with knee OA usually experience anything from mild pain with movement to severe pain in the joint that may interfere even with sleep. While knee osteoarthritis is generally common among the elderly, young people can suffer from it because of trauma, obesity, and family background.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis can vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Pain in the Knee

Pain can range from mild to severe, worsening with activities like walking, climbing stairs, or squatting. 

Stiffness

Joint stiffness is most noticeable after periods of inactivity, such as in the morning or after sitting for long periods. 

It can be triggered by physical activities or prolonged sitting, and can lead to loss of motion and difficulty in bending or straightening the leg. 

Swelling

The knee may appear swollen due to inflammation or fluid buildup, contributing to discomfort and reduced mobility. 

Grinding or Cracking Sounds

A grating sensation or cracking sounds occur when moving the knee, caused by roughened or exposed bone surfaces rubbing against each other due to cartilage wear. 

Joint Deformity

Over time, changes in joint structure can lead to visible deformities, such as misalignment or bowing of the knee (varus or valgus deformity). 

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Causes and Risk Factors

Knee osteoarthritis can occur due to the following causes and risk factors:

Aging

Cartilage weakens over time, increasing the likelihood of bone-on-bone contact and pain. 

Obesity

Extra weight places additional stress on knee joints, accelerating cartilage damage. 

Past Knee Injuries

Injuries like fractures, torn ligaments, or meniscal tears heighten the risk. 

Overuse of the Joint

Repetitive stress from activities (e.g., sports, heavy labor) wears out cartilage. 

Genetics

Family history of osteoarthritis increases susceptibility. 

Bone Deformities

Structural abnormalities predispose the joint to uneven wear. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis History

Inflammatory conditions can predispose to secondary osteoarthritis

Diagnosis

Knee osteoarthritis diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination and careful history, focusing on symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and swelling. These tests help assess the range of motion, strength, and stability of the knee joint, analyzing the extent of joint dysfunction. Diagnostic tools like X-rays and MRIs are used to confirm the diagnosis, revealing signs such as narrowing joint space, bone spurs, and overall joint appearance. Blood tests are also used to exclude other conditions with similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis or infections. A confirmed diagnosis is crucial for effective management, enabling a specific treatment plan, including medication, to slow the disease process, alleviate symptoms, and help maintain mobility and quality of life.

Treatment Modalities

Pain Medication

This involves the use of medications such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and other specialised medications designed for pain management. The type and dosage are tailored to the individual’s condition and medical history.

Myospan

Minimally invasive treatments aim to effectively relieve common pain conditions by targeting pain sources.

For chronic pain conditions originating from spinal issues, Neurospan can be performed by our team of pain specialists from Singapore Paincare Center.

How Can I Prevent Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis can be prevented through lifestyle changes and specific measures. First, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial as excess weight can cause excessive stress on knee joints, leading to accelerated cartilage breakdown. Moderate weight loss can reduce pain and improve function.  

Also, regular exercise, such as flexibility exercises like swimming, biking, and walking, can help maintain range and prevent stiffness in the knee. Low-impact aerobics, such as swimming, biking, and walking, are also beneficial. Proper footwear, such as supportive shoes with good arch supports, can distribute weight properly and reduce knee stress. Avoid jolting exercises like running and jumping, which can lead to joint injury. Instead, focus on mild exercises without potential harm to the knees. Protecting joints during physical activities with knee pads or knee braces can minimize injury occurrences.  

Nevertheless, regular stretching can loosen musculature around the knee, allowing ease of motion. By implementing these tips, individuals can protect their knees in the long term and prevent further deterioration of joints due to osteoarthritis. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Rest Cure Knee Osteoarthritis?

While rest alone cannot cure knee osteoarthritis, it nonetheless does alleviate its symptoms in the short term by minimising stress on the knee joint. Rest is part of managing the condition, but one has to balance it with regular low-impact exercises to maintain the flexibility and strength of the joint. Prolonged resting will certainly result in muscle weakening, which may aggravate the symptoms of osteoarthritis.  If resting does not provide sufficient relief or if symptoms persist, it’s important to consult a doctor. At our clinic, we offer a range of minimally invasive treatments to help manage knee osteoarthritis  

How Do You Stop Knee Osteoarthritis from Worsening?

The strategies that will help prevent worsening of knee osteoarthritis include maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active with low-impact exercises-swimming, biking, and walking-using assistive devices as necessary, proper shoes with support, diet to reduce inflammation. Besides, one should avoid activities that place undue stress on the knees, such as running on hard surfaces or jumping, in order to minimize further progression of the disease. See a doctor to get personalised advice and explore treatment options that can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. 

Can I Avoid Total Knee Replacement?

Generally, Total Knee Replacement is often considered when all the other conservative modes of treatments fail to relieve the symptoms.  Many individuals find significant improvement with non-surgical options, including minimally invasive injections that target pain and inflammation directly. These treatments can help delay or avoid the need for surgery while improving mobility and quality of life. 

Our Clinics

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321 Alexandra Road #01-05 Alexandra Central Mall Singapore 159971
  • Mon, Tue & Thu: 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
  • Wed & Fri: 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm
  • Sat: 9am to 1pm
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146 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428835
  • Mon, Wed, Thu: 8:00am – 2:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
  • Tue & Fri: 8:00am – 2:00pm
  • Sat: 8:00am – 12:00pm
  • Sun: 10:00am – 1:00pm
  • PH: Closed
18 Marsiling Lane, #01-269
Singapore 730018
  • Mon: 8:00am – 9:00pm
  • Tue – Fri: 8:00am – 4:30pm, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
  • Sat: 8:00am – 12:30pm
  • Sun & PH: Closed
35 Selegie Road, #03-02 Parklane Shopping Mall, Singapore 188307
  • Mon, Wed, Thu: 8:30am – 12:30pm, 1:30pm – 4:30pm, 6pm – 9pm
  • Tue & Fri: 8:30am – 12:30pm, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
  • Sat: 8:30am – 12:30pm
  • Closed on Sun & PH
200 Upper Thomson Road, #01-11
Thomson Imperial Court, Singapore 574424
  • Mon to Wed: 8:30am – 10:00pm
  • Thu: 8:30am – 3:00pm, 6:00pm-9:30pm
  • Fri: 8:30am – 6:00pm
  • Sat & Sun: 9:00am – 3:00pm
  • PH: Closed
221 Boon Lay Pl, #01-240
Singapore 640221
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  • Fri: 8:00am – 4:00pm
  • Sat & Sun: 8:00am – 1:00pm
  • PH: Closed

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