Knee Osteoarthritis
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder worldwide, affecting approximately 10% of the population, and the knee is one of the most commonly affected joints. But being diagnosed with osteoarthritis doesn’t mean your condition will get worse. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to improve your symptoms.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It affects the cartilage within the knee joint. This cartilage acts as a natural suspension and cushioning within the joint. Gradually over time, the cartilage can thin and the bag (capsule) which surrounds the joint can become irritable. Interestingly, we now know that these changes within the joint can occur without pain but sometimes these changes can cause symptoms.
While many people with osteoarthritis appearances of the knee won’t have any symptoms, those who do can have a wide range of experiences.
Symptoms may include:
- Most commonly, the knee can feel painful, stiff and swollen.
- The knee may feel particularly stiff in the morning, and more painful at night.
- Some people find that pain can wake them up at night.
- You might notice that your knee makes crunching or grinding noises. (These noises are harmless and nothing to worry about as they are a common symptom of this condition.)
- Pain can occur with activities such as walking, going up and down stairs, and even getting up from sitting.
What causes osteoarthritis of the knee?
The exact cause of osteoarthritis is often not known, as there can be quite a few reasons why a person develops the condition. Osteoarthritis is common and can affect people of any age, but it usually starts in people over the age of 45. Our genetics will likely play a big part in our risk of developing osteoarthritis. Previous trauma or injuries to the knee can also increase the chance of developing osteoarthritis.
The pain associated with osteoarthritis is not simply just the result of the changes in the joint, in fact, research has shown that pain is influenced by a wide range of factors, including:
- carrying excessive weight, particularly around the middle.
- muscle weakness.
- smoking.
- inactivity or over-activity.
- life changes, including periods of stress or illness.
- poor mental health such as depression or anxiety.
- other physical health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- you have severe knee pain after a fall or injury
- you’re unable to move your knee or put weight on your leg
- your knee is badly swollen or has changed shape
- you have severe knee pain and generally feel unwell and have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery
Facts about Osteoarthritis of the knee
Osteoarthritis can often present on an x-ray in those who do not have symptoms. This is because pain is influenced by more than just the changes you can see on an x-ray.
For example, research has shown that a 10% reduction of body weight (if you are overweight) results in a 50% reduction in pain. Evidence also shows that not being afraid to use your knee and a positive mindset about the joint will increase your chances of making meaningful improvements in your symptoms and function.
In fact, exercise is the best thing you can do for the health of the knee joint. Moving the joint and strengthening the muscles around the painful joint improves functional capacity of the knee.