What is osteoarthritis of the knee?
Sometimes called degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. OA can affect any joint, but it occurs most often in knees, hips, lower back and neck, small joints of the fingers and the bases of the thumb and big toe. In normal joints, a firm, rubbery material called cartilage covers the end of each bone. Cartilage provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion and acts as a cushion between the bones. In OA, the cartilage breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. As OA worsens over time, bones may break down and develop growths called spurs. Bits of bone or cartilage may chip off and float around in the joint. In the body, an inflammatory process occurs and cytokines (proteins) and enzymes develop that further damage the cartilage. In the final stages of OA, the cartilage wears away and bone rubs against bone leading to joint damage and more pain. Knee and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Austin Chen is available to diagnose and treat this common knee condition in patients living in Greater Boulder, Colorado.
What are the causes of osteoarthritis in the knee?
Although OA occurs in people of all ages, osteoarthritis is most common in people older than 65. Common risk factors include increasing age, obesity, previous joint injury, overuse of the joint from athletics or a specific profession, weak thigh muscles, and genes.
What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis in the knee?
The first steps in treating osteoarthritis in the knee are non surgical. Non-surgical options include weight loss, nutrition and diet modifications, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint. In some cases, injections may be used to reduce symptoms. If non-surgical measures fail to relieve pain and symptoms, a knee replacement surgery may be recommended by Dr. Chen.
