Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is the most prevalent form of arthritis and the leading cause of
disability in India affecting about 15 million Indians every year. About 20 years ago, osteoarthritis was known as a disease of
the elderly affecting those above the age of 65. However, today, an increasing number of younger people in the age group of 35-55
are being diagnosed with Osteoarthritis.
What Is Osteoarthritis of The Knee ?
Knee Osteoarthritis is caused when cartilage in the knee-joint wears away. Cartilage is a firm tissue in the human
body, which is softer than bone and much more flexible. Cartilage helps in the smooth functioning of the joints.
What Are The Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis Of The Knee ?
Symptoms for Knee Osteoarthritis vary, depending on the age of the patient and severity of the problem.
Here are some of the commonly found symptoms:
Pain and stiffness of the knee
Difficulty in movement
Swelling in the knees
Creaking/Grating sound or sensation during the moment of knees
Stiffness in knees in the mornings or after a period of inactivity or during cold weather
Extreme pain in the knee joints after being exerted
Some patients may have alternating painful and pain-free intervals
Formation of bone spurs around the knee – extra bits of bone which feel like hard lumps
How Is Osteoarthritis Of The Diagnosed ?
The patients’ medical and family history as well as a physical exam is the foundation of diagnosing Osteoarthritis. In order to confirm the diagnosis, patients may be asked to undergo:
X-ray: For an idea about the abnormality in the shape of the bone and damage caused by the lack of Cartilage
Blood test: To confirm if there are any other reasons for the complication
Treatment For Osteoarthritis Of Knee
Medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are helpful in easing acute pain. Doctors are very careful
while prescribing NSAIDs considering the risks of side effects usually suggest the lowest effective dose for a short period of time.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams and gels are often prescribed as well.
Exercise And Weight Loss
Nonsurgical management of Knee Osteoarthritis starts with weight loss and muscle strengthening. Muscle strength is also vital in combating osteoarthritis. The muscles surrounding the knee joint act as shock absorbers for the pressure that daily activities and sports place on the joint. The stronger the muscles are that surround the knee joint are, the more stress they can absorb for the knee joint. Increasing muscle strength will decrease pressure otherwise placed on the joint, thus decreasing symptoms. Knee braces may also help in reducing the stress on the knees.
If exercise and medicine are not working than your doctor might suggest you some intervetions.
Pain Management treats such diseases with techniques called intervention. Intervention is a small injection technique which
helps to get rid of root problem of knee pain instead sciatica without surgery. Your doctor will see all reports and then
suggest you best treatment options for you.
Viscosupplementation is a procedure in which a thick fluid called hyaluronate is injected into the knee joint. Hyaluronic Acid
is present in the body naturally and is found in the synovial fluid surrounding joints. It acts as a lubricant to enable bones
to move smoothly over each other and as a shock absorber for exertions on the joints. People with osteoarthritis have a
lower-than-normal concentration of hyaluronic acid in their joints.
Viscosupplementation was first used in Europe and Asia, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1997.
Knee - Replacement Surgery
Knee-replacement Surgery is advised when the pain becomes severe enough to make daily tasks extremely painful and difficult. Majority of patients with Knee Osteoarthritis do not need Knee-replacement surgery.
1) The Procedure
Hyaluronic acid, a gel like fluid, is injected in the knee joint to help lubricate it.
There may be a single or multiple shots of Hyaluronic Acid given to the patient, depending on the case.
2) Results
This procedure is best for patients with mild to moderate OA of the knee.
Not all patients are helped by the injections. Most patients report the greatest pain relief 8-12 weeks after beginning treatment,
though some fee a difference within the first 3-5 weeks as well.
The length of pain relief varies; some patients have reported benefits for more than 6 months following the injections.
3) Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects associated with the hyaluronate injections are temporary injection-site pain; swelling,
heat, or redness; rash and itching; bruising around the joint; and fluid accumulation in the injected knee.
These reactions are usually mild and don't last long. Similar to steroid injections, rare complications include infection and bleeding.
