Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease , occurs when the cushiony cartilage between two bones becomes worn down, and the bones begin to rub against each other in the joint (the area where two bones come together). This often leads to pain, swelling, a decrease in motion at the joint, stiffness, or the formation of bone spurs (tiny growths of new bone). While osteoarthritis can occur at almost any joint, osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common type. More than 10 million Americans have osteoarthritis of the knee. Most people affected are older than 45 years.
CAUSES
There may be a genetic (inherited) tendency to develop osteoarthritis. Joint injuries and overweight also increase osteoarthritis risk.
DIAGNOSIS
During a physical examination of the knee joint, your doctor may be able to see that movement of the knee is restricted. Your doctor can diagnose osteoarthritis of the knee by taking an x-ray. The x-ray will show that the space between the bones of the upper and lower leg is smaller than it should be.
PROGRESSION
Osteoarthritis begins when the joint cartilage starts to become worn down. This decreases the ability of the cartilage to work as a shock-absorber to reduce the impact of stress on the joints. The remaining cartilage wears down faster, and eventually, the cartilage in some spots may disappear altogether, leaving the bones to grind against one another. It is at this stage that bone spurs may form.
TREATMENT
Regular exercise is one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis. See your doctor for advice.
Although there are currently no drugs that treat osteoarthritis directly, pain relievers are often prescribed to help ease some of the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
Cortisone shots can help decrease inflammation in the joint.
Although most people with osteoarthritis will not need surgery, surgery is a possibility for those with severely damaged joints who have trouble walking. Surgery may involve joint replacement in which the rough worn surfaces of the joint are replaced with smooth-surfaced metal and plastic pieces.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
877/22-NIAMS (226-4267)
www.niams.nih.gov
The Arthritis Society
800/283/7800
www.arthritis.org
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JAMA. 2003;289(8):1068. doi:10.1001/jama.289.8.1068.
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease , occurs when the cushiony cartilage between two bones becomes worn down, and the bones begin to rub against each other in the joint (the area where two bones come together). This often leads to pain, swelling, a decrease in motion at the joint, stiffness, or the formation of bone spurs (tiny growths of new bone). While osteoarthritis can occur at almost any joint, osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common type. More than 10 million Americans have osteoarthritis of the knee. Most people affected are older than 45 years.
CAUSES
There may be a genetic (inherited) tendency to develop osteoarthritis. Joint injuries and overweight also increase osteoarthritis risk.
DIAGNOSIS
During a physical examination of the knee joint, your doctor may be able to see that movement of the knee is restricted. Your doctor can diagnose osteoarthritis of the knee by taking an x-ray. The x-ray will show that the space between the bones of the upper and lower leg is smaller than it should be.
PROGRESSION
Osteoarthritis begins when the joint cartilage starts to become worn down. This decreases the ability of the cartilage to work as a shock-absorber to reduce the impact of stress on the joints. The remaining cartilage wears down faster, and eventually, the cartilage in some spots may disappear altogether, leaving the bones to grind against one another. It is at this stage that bone spurs may form.
TREATMENT
FOR MORE INFORMATION
877/22-NIAMS (226-4267)
www.niams.nih.gov
800/283/7800
www.arthritis.org
Click here to download a copy of this article.
<< Back to article index...
Two Offices conveniently located to serve you.
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PEMBROKE PINES - 17890 NW 2 St., Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Telephone (954) 442-6090, FAX (954) 442-0070
Email: Info@luislugomd.com
DON'T WASTE TIME HOLDING ON THE TELEPHONE. Do you need to make a reservation? Check on a Referral? Request a Prescription Refill? Request Medical Records? No need to call the office. Get help fast by logging on to our PATIENT PORTAL. Ask us about WEB ENABLE on your next Office Visit. All of your Health Needs are right at your fingertips. You can even access your Health Information SECURLY from your Mobile Phone or Tablet. Download the free Mobile App Today. DOWNLOAD THE FREE HEALOW MOBILE APP BY CLICKING HERE, then find us by using our unique practice code. GGAHBA. To use the Patient Portal, please call the office and ask to be Web Enabled. You will need a valid Email Address to receive instructions on the Patient Portal. New Patients may also join us by clicking on the Patient Portal Link at the top of this page then click the Pre Registration Button. Note. Pre Registration is only for new Patients. Regular patients need to be Web Enabled. Call and ask us how to get access.