As we age, the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee increases. However, osteoarthritis can also occur in young people. Especially if there is a genetic predisposition, or after a blow or infection to the knee area, osteoarthritis can develop. Being overweight is also a risk factor.
So what is knee osteoarthritis, how does it develop, what should we do in the treatment, what can we do at home to reduce our pain?
What Is Knee Calcification?
Osteoarthritis is a condition that occurs over time due to the breakdown of the natural friction mechanism in the joint surface, along with tears in the cartilage tissue. When the shock-absorbing benefits of cartilage are eliminated, the two joint surfaces rub against each other more. This leads to new bone formation, further damage to the joint, thickening of the joint surfaces, and ultimately pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Who Develops Knee Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It can occur in young people, but it is more common after the age of 45. The knee is the most affected joint. It is more common in women than in men.
The most common factor that causes knee osteoarthritis is age. Everyone will develop osteoarthritis at some point in their lives. However, there are other factors that can contribute to early-onset knee osteoarthritis.
Age: With age, the cartilage’s ability to heal decreases.
Weight: Weight increases the load on all joints, especially the knee.
Genetics: Genetic mutations can increase the risk of early osteoarthritis in a person. Congenital deformities of the bones surrounding the knee can also cause this.
Injuries: Injuries to the knee joint caused by repetitive loading increase the risk of osteoarthritis. This can be a particular risk factor for people who work in certain types of jobs. People who work in jobs that involve activities such as kneeling/sitting, or carrying heavy loads, develop osteoarthritis earlier and more often.
Athletes who participate in sports such as tennis, football, and long-distance running are at higher risk for diskeleştirmesi. These athletes should be more careful to avoid injuries. Regularly performing strength-training exercises around the knee can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis. This is because weaker muscles put more load on the joint.
People with secondary rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis arthritis are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis. The frequency of osteoarthritis development also increases in people with underlying metabolic diseases.
Which Symptoms Are Observed In A Person With Knee Arthritis?
- Pain that increases especially with activity and decreases with rest.
- Swelling
- Feeling of warmth in the joint
- Short-term stiffness in the joint in the morning or after rest
- Restriction in joint movements, it may be difficult to descend, climb stairs, walk, get up from a chair
- Noise from the joint
How Is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed?
Examination, patient complaints and history may be sufficient for the diagnosis. Rotken may be requested to support the diagnosis. In differential diagnosis, MRI and blood tests may be ordered to exclude other accompanying problems.
How To Treat Knee Calcification?
The treatment of knee osteoarthritis aims to reduce pain and improve mobility. The first step is to reduce weight. Even a small amount of weight loss can provide significant relief from pain. Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint helps to stabilize the knee and reduce pain.
Short-term use of pain relievers may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. However, long-term use of pain relievers is not desired. Your doctor may recommend other medications to reduce pain.
Joint injections are also very effective in reducing pain. There are many injection options available, such as intra-articular cortisone applications, hyaluronic acid, PRP injections, prolotherapy, exosome therapy, and stem cell therapy. You should consult your doctor to determine which treatment is right for you.
Complementary medicine methods such as acupuncture, cupping, dry needling, and herbal treatments are also effective. You should consult your doctor about this.
Using devices such as a cane can help to reduce the load on the joint and relieve symptoms.
Regular, daily activities in your daily life with occupational therapy approaches make it easier to do your work.
If other treatments do not work, surgery is considered.
Surgical treatments can include arthroscopy, osteotomy, or knee replacement/arthroplasty. The orthopedist decides which treatment is more appropriate after evaluating the patient and explains it to the patient.
