Knee OA as it is commonly called, degeneration of the knee joint is a common and very serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The symptoms can become very severe, as when the disease progresses to the later stages, it causes permanent damage to the knee cap, making the mobility of the joint almost impossible. Knee OA is caused by wear and tear or damage to the cartilage in your knee. The cartilage is the tissue that protects and cushions the joints, preventing friction between bones and increasing the lubrication between the bones, thus decreasing friction and ensuring a proper movement of the knee cap.
The disease is caused by repetitive motions of the knee over time. The most common and often the simplest example is that of athletes using repetitive movements while running and jumping. This type of activity brings about the wearing away of the cartilage, resulting in deterioration of the knee cap and allowing the osteoarthritis to progress. Knee OA is more likely to develop as the person ages and not as much as those who do not engage in such physical activity.
Understand the types of treatment
There are different forms of treatment for the disease depending on how far advanced it has become. Treatment is most commonly directed towards pain management and reducing swelling of the knee cap. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin can be taken to reduce the pain and inflammation of the knee. Aspirin also has the effect of reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood and reduces the risk of developing kidney diseases like thrombosis and kidney failure. In addition to this, steroids may also be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection in the knee. Surgery is also an option if the damage in the knee is too extensive and cannot be treated by medication.
Prevention of the development of osteoarthritis is best achieved through a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent the condition. Smoking should also be avoided because it worsens the pain and discomfort of the knee. A weight loss program should be started as soon as possible and weight-bearing exercises should be carried out regularly in order to increase the flexibility of the knee.
Treatment for osteoarthritis will vary according to the stage of the disease. Medication will be prescribed according to the severity of the disease. When there is an acute case, the doctor will prescribe strong painkillers and other anti-inflammatory medications that can be taken until the symptoms disappear. When the problem is chronic, the doctor will have to carry out joint replacement surgeries or provide complete physical support to the patient. Surgery is also considered as an option when joint replacement is not effective.
Knee osteoarthritis is no doubt a very troublesome disease but with proper treatment, it can be made easier to live with. People who suffer from this disease are the ones who are aging and who are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis. They are also those people who do not perform regular exercises. So, if osteoarthritis is detected early, the effects can be limited. However, if left untreated, it can lead to severe pain, numbness, and even deformation of the knee. To know more you can also log in to websites like lermagazine.com.
