Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

القائمة الرئيسية

الصفحات

تعديل المشاركة

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

التعلم
(0)


Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive wear of the articular cartilage, changes in the subchondral bone, and varying degrees of inflammation. It is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain and disability, especially in older adults.

🔹 Causes / Risk Factors

  • Aging (degenerative changes)

  • Previous knee injury (post-traumatic OA)

  • Obesity (increased joint load)

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Repetitive stress (occupational or sports-related)

  • Muscle weakness (especially quadriceps)

  • Malalignment (varus / valgus deformities)

🔹 Symptoms

  • Knee pain (worse with activity, better with rest)

  • Morning stiffness (<30 min, unlike rheumatoid arthritis)

  • Swelling or joint effusion

  • Crepitus (grinding / crackling sound)

  • Decreased range of motion

  • Muscle weakness and instability

  • Advanced cases: deformity (varus/valgus) and significant functional limitation

🔹 Diagnosis

  • Clinical evaluation (history + physical exam)

  • Imaging:

    • X-ray → joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, bone cysts.

    • MRI (if soft tissue involvement suspected).

  • Clinical criteria (ACR criteria for knee OA).

🔹 Management

Conservative (first-line):

  • Patient education (joint protection, activity modification).

  • Weight management → even small weight loss reduces knee load.

  • Physiotherapy:

    • Quadriceps and hip strengthening.

    • Stretching of hamstrings, calves.

    • Low-impact aerobic exercises (swimming, cycling, walking).

    • Manual therapy & mobilizations.

    • Balance and proprioception training.

  • Pain management:

    • Heat/cold therapy.

    • NSAIDs (oral or topical).

    • Knee bracing, orthotics, supportive footwear.

  • Injections: corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (for temporary relief).

Surgical (if severe pain and disability despite conservative care):

  • Arthroscopic debridement (limited role).

  • High tibial osteotomy (for younger patients with malalignment).

  • Partial or total knee replacement (arthroplasty)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    protocol of treatment 


أخر المواضيع من قسم : Orthopedic Conditions

تعليقات

إرسال تعليق

التنقل السريع