Treatment for Knee Degeneration
What is knee degeneration?
Knee degeneration is a progressive disease where the cartilage in the knee gradually deteriorates. The condition also affects the synovium, and bones in the knee joint. This leads to swelling, pain, and reduced mobility in the knee.
The cartilage works to prevent friction between the bones of the joint. The synovium, also called the synovial membrane, is a soft biological tissue that lines the joint and produces a fluid known as the synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint. It also supplies oxygen and nutrients to the cartilage. Knee degeneration is commonly known as knee osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis of the knee, or wear-and-tear arthritis. It is also called knee degenerative joint disease.
What causes knee degeneration?
The direct cause of knee degeneration is not known. However, the chief risk factors for developing osteoarthritis of the knee are obesity and aging. Other risk factors include:
Age. Adults of any age are at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis but the risk increases significantly in people aged 40 and older. This is because with age, the cartilage degenerates and progressively loses the ability to heal itself.
Obesity. If you’re overweight, the pressure on your joints – particularly the knees – will be high.
Family history and genetics. Osteoarthritis of the knee can be hereditary. If you have a family member who has suffered from the condition, you may inherit it. A genetic disorder can also influence the likelihood of developing this degenerative disease.
Repetitive knee stress or injuries. If you have a job that involves activities where you always have to exact pressure on the knee, then you’re at risk of developing knee degeneration. Athletes in sports such as long-distance running, football or tennis are at high risk. Serious knee injuries may also result in the development of the condition.
Other illnesses. You’ll be more likely to develop knee degeneration if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Metabolic disorders, such as excess growth hormone or iron overload can also increase the chances of developing osteoarthritis.
How is knee degeneration diagnosed?
Your doctor will begin with a physical exam to make a diagnosis. You’ll be asked about the symptoms you’re experiencing and your medical history will also be taken.
Your doctor will likely carry out additional tests, including:
- X-rays to look for the presence of abnormal growths called bone spurs (osteophytes) as well as bone and cartilage damage.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, if the x-rays don’t provide sufficient reasons for your joint pain, or where they hint at the presence of other damaged tissues.
- Blood tests to rule out other possible causes of your knee joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
How is knee degeneration treated?
Osteoarthritis of the knee is primarily treated so as to slow down the progression of the disease, or halt it completely. It is recommended to begin treatment of the condition when still in the early stages, for best results. Treatments for knee degenerative joint disease include:
Exercise. Pain can be decreased and the knee joint can be kept stable with strengthening exercises. Flexibility and mobility can be achieved through stretching exercises.
Weight loss. Shedding weight, when necessary, will relieve the pressure on the knees and significantly alleviate the symptoms of pain.
Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers. Drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen can help with swelling and pain. It is advised to take these drugs under medical supervision.
Using braces. Your doctor may recommend braces that support the knee or unload weight from the area affected by osteoarthritis.
Occupational and physical therapy. Occupational therapists will coach you on ways to manage your job while coping with osteoarthritis, while a physical therapist will teach you how to increase flexibility in your muscles and strengthen them.