Degenerative Joint Disease of the Knee / Osteoarthritis
Description
Knee pain may keep you from being as active as you like. And it may come from a gradual breakdown of your knee’s cartilage. That’s a protective tissue on the ends of your bones. In a healthy knee, the bones glide smoothly against each other. But in a knee with osteoarthritis, cartilage begins to wear away. Bone rubs against bone. Bony bumps we call “bone spurs” may form.
Animations
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Causes & Triggers
Why does knee cartilage break down? For many, it’s a part of the wear and tear of aging. For others, it’s linked to an injury. Your risk for osteoarthritis of the knee is higher if you have a job that puts a lot of stress on your knees. Being obese raises your risk, too. Ask your doctor about other risk factors.
- Genetics
- Age-related cartilage wear-and-tear
- Trauma (Fracture involving the joint surface)
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee include pain, swelling and stiffness. You may have trouble bending or extending your knee. It may feel weak. It may lock or buckle when you walk. Standing or walking for a long time can make your knee feel worse.
- Difficulty bending or flexing
- Grating or grinding sensation/noise
- Locking
- Buckling
- Pain (especially with activity, relieved with rest)
- Stiffness
- Difficulty going up or down stairs
Tips & Treatment
In the early stages, things like physical therapy, weight loss, and a knee brace may help. Medications and joint injections may help, too. If those aren’t working, you may need surgery. Your doctor will create a care plan that’s right for you.
- This condition develops slowly and may worsen over time, sometimes resulting in bone-on-bone contact.
- Non-surgical treatment may include icing affected area, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or complementary medicine, such as acupuncture.
