Knee pain when standing up from a chair or going down stairs is one of the most common complaints in orthopedic clinics, especially after the age of forty. In most cases, the cause is knee osteoarthritis — medically known as osteoarthritis of the knee — a condition that is manageable and controllable in its early stages.
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is the gradual deterioration of the joint cartilage that lines the surfaces of the thigh and shin bones within the joint. As this cartilage wears away, bone rubs directly against bone, producing pain, stiffness, and chronic inflammation.
Key risk factors:
- Advancing age (those over forty are more susceptible)
- Excess weight, which multiplies the pressure on the joint
- Previous knee injuries or surgical procedures
- A family history of osteoarthritis
- Occupations that require prolonged standing or carrying loads for long hours
The four grades of knee osteoarthritis
Doctors classify knee osteoarthritis into four main grades:
Grade One: Subtle changes in the cartilage. The patient feels mild fatigue in the knee after exertion, without obvious pain.
Grade Two: The onset of noticeable cartilage wear. Pain increases with movement and eases with rest, and may be accompanied by morning stiffness that usually resolves within half an hour.
Grade Three: Clear cartilage wear that causes continuous pain during daily activities and recurrent swelling of the knee.
Grade Four: Near-complete loss of the joint cartilage, with bone rubbing directly against bone. The pain is severe and may persist even at rest, and difficulty walking is evident.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
- Pain that increases with movement and eases with rest (in the early stages)
- Stiffness in the knee upon waking in the morning
- A creaking or grinding sound within the joint during movement
- Swelling and a sensation of warmth around the knee during periods of activity
- Difficulty climbing stairs or rising from a seated position
Treatment options for knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis does not necessarily mean surgery — most cases in grades one and two improve with conservative treatment.
Conservative treatment:
- Physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the thigh muscles to relieve pressure on the joint
- Weight control to reduce the load on the knee (every extra kilogram equals four kilograms of pressure on the knee)
- Use of a supportive medical knee brace in some cases
- Joint lubrication injections in selected cases, as assessed by the specialist physician
When is surgery advised?
Surgery (partial or total joint replacement) is considered in grades three and four that have not responded to conservative treatment for a sufficient period. Knee joint replacement is among the procedures with high success rates in improving quality of life and relieving pain.
When should you see an orthopedic doctor?
- If the pain prevents you from sleeping or from performing your daily activities
- If the knee swells frequently or suddenly
- If you notice a deformity in the knee's alignment or a change in the way you walk
- If the symptoms do not respond to conservative treatment after several weeks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis be controlled without surgery?
Yes — the vast majority of grade one and two cases improve markedly with physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and weight control. Even grade three sometimes responds to intensive conservative treatment. The most important thing is to start treatment early, before the wear progresses.
Are knee lubrication injections useful and safe?
Joint lubrication injections may help reduce pain and improve range of motion in some patients at certain stages. The degree of benefit varies from one case to another, and the decision is based on the physician's full assessment of the case, not on the grade alone.
Is exercise safe for a patient with knee osteoarthritis?
Appropriate exercises determined by the doctor or physical therapist are a cornerstone of treatment, not a danger. They strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint and distribute pressure more effectively. The key is choosing the right exercises and avoiding excessive strain on the joint in advanced grades.
Book a consultation appointment at the Orthopedic Surgery Department at Town Hospital for a comprehensive knee evaluation and a treatment plan suited to your condition.
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