Have you noticed you are having increased pain, stiffness or instability in your knee when you are exercising? You may be suffering from Osteoarthritis (OA) of your knee. OA is described as the loss of articular cartilage with joint space narrowing and pain. This causes the bones to rub on each other, reducing shock absorption and eventually can lead to bone deformity. A few signs of OA may include:
- Tender spots around joint margin
- Giving way
- Creaking or locking
- Swelling
- Painful movements
- Joint “tightness”
There are a few causes for OA of the knee, some include: age, previous trauma, previous surgery, Gender female>male, obesity. 80% of people develop OA in the medial compartment, where the bone wears away and they develop a “bow-legged” appearance. 5-10% develop OA in the lateral compartment, where they develop a “knock-knee” appearance. Knee OA is diagnosed initially by your doctor. There is a thorough history taken, physical examination and imaging may be used, such as, X-Ray or MRI.
Is there a treatment?
Of course there is! Depending on the severity (ie: minimal, mild, moderate and severe), Physical therapy can help! Stretching, strengthening the legs, improving balance and gait mechanics are great ways to help. A physical therapist can assess your knee pain and develop a personalized program for you so can get back on your feet and back to your normal routine, pain free!
References:
Brotzman SB, Wilk KE. Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation. 2 nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: The Curtis Center; 2003