6 Causes for knee osteoarthritis

6 Causes for knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is very common complaint, especially among immunosuppressive patients and elderly. It develops due to erosion of the cartilaginous surfaces at the site of union of femur and tibia (the knee region). The most common causes of knee osteoarthritis include the following:

  1. Obesity which puts extra pressure on the knee joint.
  2. Leg deformity as genu varum or genu valgum.
  3. Aging which leads to shrinkage and erosion of the whole body cartilage.
  4. Positive family history of knee osteoarthritis.
  5. Previous knee injury or trauma.
  6. Previous history of rheumatoid or immunological diseases, such as; rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, gout… etc.

Knee osteoarthritis is manifested with painful knee, which is usually associated with local swelling, redness and tenderness; later the patient becomes unable to walk or even flex his knee.

Management of knee osteoarthritis includes the following:

  • Medication: it includes analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs as well as chondrogenic drugs (glucosamine) which help in regeneration of new cartilaginous cells.
  • Intra-articular corticosteroid injections can be used to facilitate the movement of knee joint. This procedure should be done by specialized experienced doctor. The therapeutic effect of these injections lasts only for 1-3 months, so re-injection is needed.
  • Physiotherapy which aims to strengthen the muscles and tendons of the knee.
  • Increasing the intake of foods rich in proteins and amino acids, such as; meat, fish, dairy products, egg… etc.
  • Reducing body weight within normal values.
  • If all above measured failed, or in advanced cases; surgical option represents a good solution through laparoscopic intervention. If failed, artificial knee joint is the only available solution.

 


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