As an
insidious condition that does a great job of sneaking up on people over the
course of time, osteoarthritis is a common ailment suffered by thousands of
people across Canada. The knee seems particularly prone to developing it.
Known as osteoarthritis of the knee, it’s the most common type of
osteoarthritis. Although it is more common in people over 40, it strikes
all age groups. While athletes are common sufferers of osteoarthritis of the
knee, they are, by no means, the only sufferers.
What is
osteoarthritis of the knee? Osteoarthritis of the knee refers to the
degeneration of the actual knee joint. More specifically, this means that the
hyaline cartilage covering the articulating surfaces of the bones in the knee
joint have deteriorated.
What causes osteoarthritis of the knee? Typically
attributed to wear and tear, there are actually many different contributing
factors leading to osteoarthritis of the knee, which whether hereditary, or
resulting from trauma suffered to the knee, can include:
-
Trauma to knee joint, including tearing of the meniscus
-
Recurrent patellar dislocation or patella fracture
-
Fractures of the knee or knee dislocation
-
Ligamentous instability, such as an ACL injury
-
Various genetic factors, including the presence of arthritis in family
medical history
Symptoms of
osteoarthritis of the knee vary. Should you feel pain or stiffness, loss
of full range of motion, muscle weakness, or baker’s cysts – either jointly, or
individually – you may, in fact, have osteoarthritis of the knee.
Osteoarthritis
of the knee can leave a person feeling surgery is a necessary and sole option.
But not necessarily. Several different treatments are available to
osteoarthritis of the knee patients. Although surgery may be necessary in
some cases, various non-surgical treatments can help restore knee tissue and
decrease or eliminate the pain osteoarthritis of the knee is known for. These
treatments may include:
- Physiotherapy – Strength training
and physical exercise to rebuild muscle can work to decrease pain.
- Viscosupplementation – This process
involves the injection of hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. As a
naturally occurring protein in the body, hyaluronic acid lubricates the joint
and increases fluid viscosity.
- The use of a custom knee brace –
Custom fitted, this knee brace works to stabilize and decrease wear and tear on
knee and knee joints, making everyday tasks, such as walking or running, much
more comfortable – which is liberating for osteoarthritis sufferers!
Used
separately or as part of a combined treatment plan, these alternatives to
surgery can help you return to your regular level of physical activity without
the consistent pain or instability osteoarthritis of the knee is so famous for.
These alternative treatments also mean a far less sedentary recovery period,
meaning you are able to recover while still enjoying life without having to
take time off work or to completely eliminate physical activity from your
regular routine.
Osteoarthritis
of the knee can be a very painful, debilitating disease that can greatly impact
your ability to complete daily tasks or enjoy your favourite activities and
participate in sports. Although surgery remains a viable option to help relieve
the pain of osteoarthritis of the knee, it is important to remember that it is
not your sole option!
To find
out more about osteoarthritis of the knee and what non-surgical options are
available to treat it, contact Athletic Edge Sports
Medicine by calling (416) 800-0800, or visit www.aesm.ca
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