What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease that affects the knees. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic illness in which cartilage between the joints breaks down. Cartilage preserves the surface of the bones and acts as a cushion for joints. Bones can rub or grind against each other without this cushion, producing discomfort, stiffness, and edoema.
In Canada, osteoarthritis of the knee affects about 1 in every 5 persons over 45 years old (18.2%). In Canada, the prevalence ranges from roughly 15% to 21% in various local governments. Knee replacements are performed at a rate of 1/1,000 to 6/1,000 adults over the age of 45 in local authority areas.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a Knee Arthritis are:
- Knee swelling and pain following use, overuse, or trauma
- Knee swelling and pain that gets worse after long periods of inactivity, such as sleeping, sitting, standing, or relaxing, or at the end of the day
- Knee stiffness and edoema might make it difficult to correctly straighten or bend the knee.
- When moving the knee, it seems like it’s “locking” or “sticking.”
- When moving the knee, it makes a creaking, clicking, grinding, or snapping noise.
- buckling or weakening in the knee
If this sounds like a problem you’re having, keep reading…
Anatomy
The knee is your body’s largest and most powerful joint. The lower end of the femur (thighbone), the upper end of the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap) make up the patella (kneecap). Articular cartilage covers the ends of the three bones that make up the knee joint, a smooth, slippery substance that protects and cushions the bones as you bend and straighten your knee.
Between your thighbone and shinbone, two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage called meniscus operate as “shock absorbers.” They’re strong and rubbery to assist cushion and stabilise the joint.
The synovial membrane is a thin coating that surrounds the knee joint. This membrane secretes a fluid that lubricates and decreases friction in the cartilage.
How do you know if you have frozen shoulder or not?
During the physical exam, your doctor will look for soreness, edoema, redness, and flexibility in the afflicted joint.
Imaging tests
Your doctor may suggest that you get photographs of the afflicted joint by:
- X-rays. Cartilage loss is shown by a narrowing of the area between the bones in your joint, which is not visible on X-ray pictures. Bone spurs around a joint can also be seen on an X-ray.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI produces comprehensive images of bone and soft tissues, including cartilage, using radio waves and a strong magnetic field. An MRI isn’t always required to diagnose osteoarthritis, although it can provide additional information in some circumstances.
Lab tests
The diagnosis can be confirmed by testing your blood or joint fluid.
- Blood Tests. Although no blood test exists to diagnose osteoarthritis, certain tests can help rule out other causes of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Joint Fluid Analysis. A needle may be used by your doctor to collect fluid from an inflamed joint. The fluid is then examined for inflammation and to see if your discomfort is due to gout or an infection instead of osteoarthritis.
Knee Arthritis Treatment
Osteoarthritis can’t be cured, but therapies can help you feel better and move more freely. A physical therapist can demonstrate exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding your joint, promote flexibility, and lessen pain. Regular mild exercise, such as swimming or walking, that you perform on your own might be just as helpful.
An occupational therapist can assist you in figuring out how to perform regular tasks without aggravating your already painful joint. If you have osteoarthritis in your hands, for example, a toothbrush with a large handle may make brushing your teeth simpler. If you have knee osteoarthritis, a bench in the shower could assist ease the strain of standing.
Some lifestyle adjustments can help protect your knee joint and slow the progression of arthritis.
- Reduce the amount of time you spend doing things that irritate your disease, such as climbing stairs.
- Your knee will be less stressed if you switch from high-impact activities like jogging or tennis to lower-impact hobbies like swimming or cycling.
- Weight loss can help to relieve tension on the knee joint, resulting in less pain and improved function.
Book your appointment Today! If you require alternate appointment times, please contact us and we will gladly assist you with your reservation.
What to Expect on Your First Visit:
- At Physiotouch Courtice, you will register with our friendly front office staff.
- A comprehensive assessment by a Physiotherapist or other Health Care Provider will take you through a detailed history of your major physical concern, assessment of your range of motion and strength, as well as a variety of special tests specific to your injury or dysfunction. These assessment findings are analyzed and used to create a clinical impression. This will help us to better identifying and understanding your problem and formulating an effective treatment plan tailored specifically for your needs and to achieve the realistic goals. This treatment plan could involve a number of things including therapeutic exercises, therapeutic modalities, manual mobilizations, massage, patient and family education, activity modification, home exercise programs, supervised exercise programs and many others.
- There will be some treatments performed the first day to get you started on your path to recovery. However, during the next visits you will get into all aspects of your treatment plan.
- Our staff will help you scheduling your next visits at Physiotouch Courtice as per treatment plan recommended by related Health Care Provider. We offer many convenient appointment times, however, prime times can become busy, so it is best to book ahead as much as possible.
- If you have any questions at any time, please do not hesitate to call. We want to ensure your satisfaction and full recovery.
Before Your First Visit
- You will receive a confirmation email shortly after booking your appointment.
- This email will contain some forms which you can fill out and sign from your device in handy.
- If you have any questions, ask us before signing the form.
- If you are not able to access the forms online, please arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment so that we can help you with the paperwork.
- Make a list of questions that you want to discuss on your first visit.
- Bring with you if you have any imaging reports (i.e.) X-rays, Ultrasound/MRI (etc.) and doctor’s referral.
- Bring with you a copy of your insurance card and a photo ID.