The term, “itis” is generally suffixed to a term specific to any body part and indicates an inflammatory condition affecting that body part. Arthritis is specifically a condition that affects the joints, and there are many forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia. Of these, osteoarthritis specifically indicates the wear and tear of the cartilage that stretches across the knee joint, enabling ease of movement. When this protective cartilage gives way, it results in severe pain while walking, standing, or sitting.
What are the causes of osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is among the most widely reported health conditions across the world, affecting both men and women. While genetic predisposition may play a significant role in the onset of osteoarthritis, the most common factors that lead to the condition include the following:
- Wear and tear of muscles owing to old age or excessive use
- Repetitive weight-bearing movements of the affected joints without any compensation, causing undue stress on the joint
- Obesity
- Prior sports injuries or other exercise-induced injuries
- Although not always a contributing factor, women who have undergone a hysterectomy are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
- Among the early signs of the onset of the condition are stiffness and reduced mobility of the affected joint. This will be especially noticeable after prolonged periods of being seated, standing, or lying down.
- Crepitations or a creaking sound when the joint is bent and stretched may also be present, with or without pain.
- In severe cases, there can also be inflammation and swelling of the affected joint, with the area around the knee being tender and warm to touch.
What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis?
- In the early stages of diagnosis, osteoarthritis can be managed, along with delaying further degeneration by adopting a balanced diet, lifestyle, and exercise habits.
- Severe pain may require the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by a doctor.
- In cases where the degeneration is extreme, doctors may advise a partial or total knee joint replacement or the intra joint injection of a gel-like substance.
- Weight management is an essential aspect in the management of the condition.
What are the activities to be avoided by someone who has osteoarthritis?
Since there is already significant cartilage degeneration, it is important to avoid further damage to the affected knee or knees:
- Most doctors and physical trainers advise taking precautions to ensure the least possible weight-bearing movements.
- Climbing up and down staircases, lifting very heavy objects, standing for long periods of times, sitting cross-legged, and sitting or lying down on the floor frequently are all activities associated with aggravation of pain.
- Since the regeneration of damaged cartilage is not possible, it is also recommended that those with osteoarthritis practice simple exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles above and below the knee joint. These exercises, when practiced under competent supervision, can reduce stiffness and improve mobility, while also contributing to improved gait.
