1. The knee is the largest and strongest joint in the human body. It is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
2. Knee Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, called “wear and tear” arthritis because the cartilage cushion in the knee gradually wears away with the age. This can lead to friction between the bones, resulting in pain, limitation of joint mobility and painful new bone outgrowths (spurs) to form around the joints.
3. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and the pain gets worse with the time.
4. Symptoms of Osteoarthritis : pain, swelling, stiffness which can result in difficulty doing physical activities especially walking and climbing stairs. The knee may “lock”, creak, click or snap.
5. Causes for Arthritis: – Age
Arthritis can affect any age group, however people over 45 years of age are at higher risk.
– Obesity
It’s believed that obesity is the next powerful risk for knee osteoarthritis after the age factor. Obesity causes osteoarthritis by increasing the mechanical stress on the cartilage.
– Hormone Abnormalities
Early cartilage wear is linked to Diabetes and Growth Hormone Disorders.
– Sports, Sports and Repeated Injuries, and Trauma to the Joint Tissues
6. Treatment– Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, therefore the goal is to relieve the pain and return the mobility.
This can be achieved by the following:
– Diet, leading to weight loss – Pain Relievers and Anti-inflammatory Drugs
– Surgery for advanced cases of Knee Osteoarthritis
– The Help of Physiotherapy
The Physiotherapist will assess you thoroughly and will create a custom treatment plan for you to meet your needs and lifestyle.
Under the guidance of a Physiotherapist, you will learn special therapeutic Exercises strengthening and stretching, which will make the knee joint more stable, flexible and mobile.
If assistive devices are needed, the Physiotherapist will assess your knees or/ and feet and determine which brace type and/or custom made orthotics will be the best fit for you in order to make you feel as much comfortable as possible, decrease the pain and increase your knee joint mobility.
Take good care of yourself at all times!
You deserve a happy and healthy life!
Contact Dundas 427 Physiotherapy now for an assessment or complimentary consultation with one of our experts in Physiotherapy to get answers to all your questions and concerns, and learn how you can get better and feel better!
We have helped so many people not only improve but heal completely!
You can also be one of them!
