Knee arthritis
Complaints Knee arthritis
The knee joint itself is made up of the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). On the surface of the each of these bones is articular cartilage which allows smooth movement of the joint as well as acting as a shock absorber.
Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) is the degradation and degeneration of this articular cartilage and is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. As the protective cartilage is worn away by knee arthritis, bare bone is exposed within the joint.
The most common symptoms of knee arthritis are:
- Stifness in a joint, particularly in the morning. This usually decreases with movement
- A crunching or grinding sound (crepitus) during the movement of the joint
- Swelling of the joint and a feeling the joint may "give out" and loss of stability
- Limited range of motion and stiffness of the knee.
- Deformity of the joint (knock-knees or bow-legs)
Treatment Knee arthritis
Treatments
As yet there is no cure for arthritis however a number of treatments can be put in place to slow the progression of the disease:
Conservative treatments
- Health and behavior modifications, such as patient education, physical therapy, exercise, weight loss, and bracing
- Intra-articular treatments, including corticosteroid injections or injections of hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation)
- The use of special shoes or using a walking stick
- A viscosupplement can be administered as an injection and helps to decrease the amount of inflammation.
Operation
- Knee arthroscropy - arthroscopy to feel, repair or remove damaged tissue.
- Microfracture surgery by creating tiny fractures in the underlying bone. This causes new cartilage to develop from a so-called super-clot.
- Osteotomie
- Arthrodesis is the artificial induction of joint ossification between two bones via surgery
- Knee Replacement - both half and total knee replacements are available in very advanced osteoarthritic knees
Questions
Does osteoarthritis of the knee associated with osteoporosis?
No, osteoporosis is linked to a low bone density, while osteoarthritis is related damaged cartilage in the joint.
Is my overweight related to arthrosis in my knees?
There is a relationship with overweight, particularly with knee osteoarthritis. Losing weight often gives a significant improvement in symptoms. And the risk of a subsequent operation is smaller with a healthy weight.
Is cartilage transplant an option for me?
It depends on a number of factors. Cartilage transplantation is an option for young people who have cartilage damage in a very specific part of the knee if not too large.
Can i hurt my knee faster if I take painkillers?
t is advisable to adapt your activities. Using a tranquilizer could delay the moment of surgery. Especially if you're young of age it may be advisable.
Is it too late for an operation with a worn out KNEE?
Yes, if the wear is too far. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss with you the options.
Prepare yourself by reading all the information given. For any questions please telephone or email contact with Orthopedium.
