Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a common chronic condition. It is also called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis. Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among adults.Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects the cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement. In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape. Also, bone spurs--small growths called osteophytes--may grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space. This causes more pain and damage. People with osteoarthritis usually have joint pain and limited movement. Unlike some other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects only joints and not internal organs.

There may be a genetic (inherited) tendency to develop osteoarthritis. Joint injuries and overweight also increase osteoarthritis risk. Obesity also is a risk factor for the disease. In overweight women, osteoarthritis of the knee is fairly common. Osteoarthritis hurts people in more than their joints: their finances and lifestyles also are affected. Usually, osteoarthritis comes on slowly. Early in the disease, joints may ache after physical work or exercise. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint. Most often it occurs at the hands, knees, hips, or spine. Osteoarthritis affects each person differently and it progresses quickly; in others, the symptoms are more serious. Osteoarthritis most often occurs at the ends of the fingers, thumbs, neck, lower back, knees, and hips. The goal of treatment is to reduce or relieve pain. Aspirin and ibuprofen are used for pain and inflammation relief. These medications are effective in treating only the pain of osteoarthritis.

Treatment Approaches to Osteoarthritis

• Exercise.
• Weight control.
• Rest and joint care.
• Pain relief techniques.
• Medicines (Aspirin and ibuprofen).
• Alternative therapies.
• Surgery

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