Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative, wear-and-tear type of condition that occurs mostly in
people of the age of 50 and above. However, depending on lifestyle, it may occur in younger
people too. Knee OA occurs when the cartilage (connective tissue that protects your joints
and bones) wears away. Over time it becomes rough and frayed, reducing the protective
space between your thigh and lower leg bone. You may experience pain, stiffness, swelling
and weakness in the knees. This is a progressive condition; hence your symptoms may
worsen over time.
How can I manage this?
- Tailored exercise program (local muscle strengthening and general aerobic fitness)
- Supervised therapeutic exercise sessions
- Weight management
- Manual therapy
- Walking aids
- Pharmacological management - *Speak to your doctor for appropriate pain
medication
Things to avoid/that will not help long term
- Acupuncture/dry needling
- electrotherapy treatments
- insoles, braces, tap, splints or supports
Joint replacement
Consider a joint replacement if your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life
AND non-surgical management is ineffective or unsuitable
Relevant resources:
Versus Arthritis - Knee OA: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee | Knee pain | Versus Arthritis
