Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Non-Surgical Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
What is Knee Osteoarthritis and What Causes It?
Joint calcification is often misunderstood and mistakenly thought to be caused by excessive calcium intake due to high calcium levels in the body. Osteoarthritis, the medical term for joint calcification, does not only result from problems around the joint but can also stem from various conditions affecting the body.
There are many causes of knee osteoarthritis. While it is more commonly seen in older adults, it can develop due to genetic factors or lifestyle choices. However, this does not mean that everyone will experience knee osteoarthritis as they age.
Excess weight typically increases the workload on the knee and hip joints, thereby increasing pressure on the joints and potentially leading to osteoarthritis.
Traumas, such as accidents or injuries that may have occurred years ago without our awareness, can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in later years.
Rheumatic diseases and arthritis conditions such as gout can also lead to osteoarthritis.
How is Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
There is no blood test to diagnose knee osteoarthritis; blood tests are only performed to monitor medications if needed. Diagnosis is primarily made through a thorough physical examination conducted by an experienced physician. Additionally, the doctor may request an X-ray of the knee for further evaluation.
What Are the Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis?
- Initially, the pain appears gradually, but over time it intensifies and becomes more frequent.
- In the early stages, intense physical activities such as running, long-distance walking, and climbing stairs can cause pain.
- Pain occurs during knee joint movements such as bending and standing up, prostrating (as in prayer), and standing for prolonged periods.
- Pain typically increases with knee joint movement and subsides with rest.
- A popping or cracking sound may be heard when the knee joint is bent.
- In some cases, temporary swelling and stiffness may occur around the knee area.
How is Knee Osteoarthritis Treated?
The most important aspect to understand in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis is that early diagnosis and intervention during the initial stages of pain allow for easy control and prevention of joint damage. In contrast, knees that have been managed without proper treatment or where treatment has been delayed until advanced stages require much longer and more complex recovery processes.