Knee osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing down of the joint cartilage. It causes pain when walking and going downstairs, stiffness after rest and reduced knee mobility.
Knee osteoarthritis — orthopedic treatment and joint injections
Knee osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing down of the joint cartilage. It causes pain when walking and going downstairs, stiffness after rest and reduced knee mobility.
About the problem
Factors that contribute to osteoarthritis include age, excess weight, previous knee injuries, leg alignment problems and overloading. Symptoms usually build up gradually, with periods of flare-ups.
Conservative treatment includes movement and strengthening exercises, weight reduction, physiotherapy, and painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines chosen by the doctor.
This can be supplemented with joint injections: a block, i.e. an anti-inflammatory medicine given into the joint together with a local anesthetic, or hyaluronic acid, which in some patients reduces pain and makes movement more comfortable. When conservative treatment is not enough, the orthopedist discusses surgical options.
Most common symptoms
- knee pain when walking, standing up and going downstairs
- knee stiffness in the morning or after sitting for a long time
- crackling or crunching on movement
- knee swelling during flare-ups
- limited bending or straightening of the knee
When to see a doctor
- when knee pain lasts longer than a few weeks or keeps coming back
- when the knee swells or locks
- when symptoms limit walking or sleep
- when painkillers are no longer enough