By kkhealthcarecentre 
Many people don’t know about the increasing risk of knee osteoarthritis, but it’s important to understand this joint problem. Joints are crucial for movement, stability, and a good quality of life. They’re designed to handle pressure and friction, so they might take a while to show any problems inside them.
Understanding Joints, Especially the Knee Joint
Joints connect two or more bones and are made of fibrous connective tissue and cartilage. There are various kinds of joints, like ball-and-socket and synovial joints, each allowing different levels of movement. The knee joint is located in your legs, below the hip joint, and includes the femur (thigh bone), tibia (large shin bone), and patella (kneecap). It’s held together by various ligaments, and any issues or injuries can be quite painful. Besides common injuries from accidents and sports, osteoarthritis is a condition that can cause knee joints to become stiff, painful, and swollen.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis, or OA, is a prevalent type of arthritis that inflames joints, including the knee. It can result from aging, cartilage wear and tear, overuse, or trauma. Alarmingly, more young adults are now facing this issue. Lifestyle changes and monitoring medication use can help lower the risk.
How Common Is Knee Osteoarthritis Today?
A recent study shows that knee osteoarthritis is becoming more common, especially among younger people. Women aged 34 to 41 have a prevalence rate of 2 in 6, which increases to 2 in 5 for those aged 40 to 45, and goes up further in women over 50. This indicates that women can suffer from knee osteoarthritis at a younger age.
Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis
Several factors can lead to knee osteoarthritis:
– Obesity: One of the main causes across all genders, as extra weight puts more stress on knee joints. It also reduces the effectiveness of knee replacement surgery.
– Age: As we age, overuse erodes joint cartilage, usually affecting those over 52, though it takes time to develop.
– Strenuous Exercise: Activities like rugby that heavily impact the knee joint can contribute to osteoarthritis.
– Sedentary Lifestyle: A lack of physical activity can silently damage knee cartilage over time.
Risk Factors for Knee Osteoarthritis
Some habits can quietly contribute to developing knee osteoarthritis, like sitting cross-legged, wearing high heels, consuming certain soft drinks, and having a diet low in proteins and vitamins. Additionally, sitting for long periods and making poor food and lifestyle choices are risk factors, especially for young people.
Who Is More at Risk?
Research shows women are at a greater risk, though the exact reasons aren’t clear. It might be due to gender differences in the nervous system affecting muscle response. Hormonal changes during different phases of the menstrual cycle could also destabilize knee joints.
Treating Knee Osteoarthritis
Treatment is crucial to delay or avoid surgery. Although knee replacement is often the best option, doctors may also prescribe medications and lifestyle changes. Treatment might include oral meds, injections, diet adjustments, and home remedies.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery can eliminate pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. If you qualify, the procedure involves removing the damaged part of the knee and replacing it with an implant. There are different types of surgeries, such as partial and total knee replacement, with options for cemented or cementless implants. You’ll also receive information on medications post-surgery and physiotherapy.
Costs and Benefits of Knee Replacement
While knee replacement surgeries can be pricey, they are cost-effective and minimally invasive, ranging from Rs. 1.2 lakh to 1.6 lakh for a single knee. Costs may vary based on surgery type, surgeon expertise, anesthesia type, patient condition, and hospital.
Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
In the early stages, symptoms can be inconsistent but generally include stiffness, pain, swelling, warmth, reduced mobility, and cracking. Recognizing these symptoms early on is crucial for effective management.