Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee wear and tear is the most common condition of the knee joint and is characterised by sharp pain. It is a degenerative disease where the cartilage on the bones in the knee joint disappears.

Knee wear and tear is a localized and chronic disease of the entire joint, affecting the articular cartilage, cruciate ligaments, and meniscus.

Knee osteoarthritis occurs in 10% of men and 13% of women over 60 years of age, and it is predicted to increase over the years as society ages.

Knee wear and tear or osteoarthritis of the knee is divided into primary (due to degeneration of the cartilage) and secondary (due to traumatic force or rheumatoid arthritis)

Knee wear and tear is caused by a combination of several risk factors (sports injury, joint injury, obesity, genetics) and develops even in younger individuals

Osteoarthritis of the knee typically and frequently occurs in older people and becomes life-limiting over time.

Symptoms

The typical sign of osteoarthritis of the knee is sharp pain, which increases with exertion (prolonged walking, stairs, uphill walking, running) and daily movement. The pain occasionally radiates into the thigh and towards the foot.

Gradually, as the cartilage thins and the pain increases, the range of movement in the knee joint decreases and, as a result, it becomes increasingly stiff.

Occasionally, the knee joint becomes swollen, which further limits the mobility of the joint.

The reduced range of motion, swelling, pain and resting result in a decrease in muscle strength in the knee muscles (muscle mass decreases extremely rapidly when resting).

Progressive osteoarthritis causes more severe symptoms that soon make daily functioning impossible and reduce the quality of life of the individual.

Cause of occurence

Osteoarthritis of the knee develops as a result of a combination of factors, both biological (beyond our control) and non-biological (within our control).

The most common cause of knee wear and tear is age, as cartilage osteoarthritis increases with age.

Excess weight puts additional strain on the structures, which accelerates the degeneration (wear and tear) process.

Traumatic injury (anterior cruciate ligament rupture, posterior cruciate ligament rupture, meniscus injury, bone fracture) causes osteoarthritis in the knee.

Daily stresses and work where repetitive loads are applied to the knee joint.

Biological risk factors for the development of the disease are age, sex (women are more susceptible to knee wear and tear than men), race and genetics.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

The primary phase of treatment requires a diagnostic examination, which includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the damaged area.

An individual physiotherapy programme (specialised therapeutic exercise and instrumental physiotherapy) is initiated to address the symptoms (pain, reduced muscle strength, reduced range of movement) and the cause of the condition.

The next phase involves relieving symptoms such as pain and swelling using state-of-the-art equipment (PERISO technology, TECAR therapy, LASER therapy, HiTOP electrotherapy, ultrasound therapy).

The kinesiology programme includes specific exercises (isometric exercises, strength exercises, flexibility exercises, balance exercises and neuromuscular training) that maintain or improve the range of motion in the joint and increase strength

Preventive exercise is important to improve the functional performance and well-being of the individual.

If necessary, a specific nutritional programme is set alongside the specific exercise in order to lose weight and improve metabolic processes.

When physiotherapy treatment is not sufficient, surgical treatment – partial or total knee replacement (knee arthroplasty) – is used. The physiotherapist is essential in the pre-operative preparation for surgery.

Frequently asked questions

When is surgery necessary?

Knee replacement with partial or total knee arthroplasty is a common operation for individuals with advanced knee osteoarthritis.

A partial knee replacement means that only part of the knee joint is replaced, while a total knee replacement means that the entire knee joint is replaced.

Surgery is recommended when severe pain limits daily activities and reduces quality of life

What can you do in home care before knee osteoarthritis progresses?

The most important recommendation is low-intensity exercise, stretching and daily movement.

Exercise will maintain bone density, strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, improve mobility and coordination, you will fall asleep faster at night and your weight will improve.

Use cold therapy (cryotherapy) and heat therapy (thermotherapy) to reduce pain.

If you are overweight, a reduction in your daily food intake and dieting is recommended.