Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
According to the World Health Organization, knee osteoarthritis is a common condition estimated to affect as many as 365 million people worldwide.
It is a degenerative disease that develops as cartilage in the knee joints gradually wears down over time.
While knee osteoarthritis can cause significant discomfort if left untreated, the condition can be managed effectively.
Overcoming knee osteoarthritis involves recognizing the key symptoms, understanding the risk factors, and pursuing effective long-term management strategies.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knees?
Osteoarthritis of the knee typically manifests with specific symptoms.
These symptoms include the following:
- Pain: Osteoarthritis pain is often described as a deep ache in the knee joint. It can be aggravated by activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing. The pain may worsen after periods of inactivity, such as upon waking up in the morning or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Stiffness: Individuals with knee osteoarthritis often experience stiffness in the affected joint, particularly after prolonged periods of rest or inactivity. This stiffness usually improves with movement.
- Swelling: Osteoarthritis can cause swelling around the knee joint. This swelling, commonly referred to as "water on the knee," may be accompanied by warmth and tenderness.
- Limited Range of Motion: As osteoarthritis progresses, it can reduce the knee joint's range of motion, making it difficult to extend or bend the knee fully.
What causes osteoarthritis in the knees?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage separating the femur and tibia in the knee joint progressively wears down.
While the precise cause of knee osteoarthritis is unknown, several risk factors have been identified:
- Age: Osteoarthritis becomes more common as individuals age. The wear and tear on the joint accumulates over time, leading to cartilage degeneration.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts stress on the knee joint, accelerating the wear of the cartilage.
- Joint Injury: A previous knee injury, such as a torn ligament or meniscus, can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in the affected joint.
- Hereditary Factors: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing osteoarthritis.
How do osteoarthritis symptoms affect the knees?
The knee is a modified hinge joint, connecting the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and the kneecap (patella). It consists of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and muscles that work together to provide stability and mobility during walking.
During walking, the knees act as shock absorbers, distributing the body's weight evenly across the legs. This weight distribution helps to reduce the impact on other joints, such as the hips and ankles, minimizing the risk of injuries.
The knees play a crucial role in maintaining balance, stability, and coordination while moving forward.
When the knee is aligned correctly, these ligaments work together to provide stability and control during movement.
However, knee osteoarthritis can destabilize the knee by causing changes in the alignment of the bones and ligaments. This abnormality can result in excessive movement of the femur and tibia, leading to instability of the joint.
Why does knee osteoarthritis increase the risk of falls?
While knee osteoarthritis can be a painful and frustrating condition, it can also be a dangerous condition if left unmanaged.
Knee osteoarthritis causes progressive deterioration of cartilage tissue, compromising the knee’s function and making it less stable.
Factors that contribute to the destabilization of the knee include the following:
- Decreased range of motion: One of the earliest symptoms of knee osteoarthritis is a decrease in range of motion. As the cartilage in the knee wears down, it becomes less flexible, making it difficult to extend or bend the knee fully. This decreased range of motion can compromise the stability of the knee, as the muscles, ligaments, and bones must work harder to maintain the joint's position.
- Increased joint stiffness: Another symptom that can increase the risk of falling is increased joint stiffness. This stiffness can make it difficult for the knee to move smoothly, leading to instability during movement. The increased stiffness may cause the knee to give way or feel "wobbly" during everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or squatting.
- Loss of muscle strength: Knee osteoarthritis can also lead to a loss of muscle strength in the legs. The weakening of the muscles around the knee, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings, can further contribute to instability.
- Increased risk of arthritis in other joints: Knee osteoarthritis commonly affects only one knee, but it can also occur in other joints. However, it can often lead to the development of arthritis in other joints, such as the hips or ankles. When these joints become arthritic, they can contribute to overall instability in the lower limbs.
Lasting relief for knee osteoarthritis symptoms in Texas
Protecting your knees with the proper care can help preserve mobility and reduce pain.
Genicular artery embolization is one of the most effective minimally invasive options for long-term knee pain relief.
At Texas Endovascular, our board-certified interventional radiologists specialize in advanced, non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis.
If you have questions about GAE or need help managing persistent knee pain, find a location near you or schedule a consultation with our caring team today.
