Knee pain could be
due to:
· Overuse syndrome
· Ligamentous injury
· Muscular injury
· Nerve injury
· Vascular diseases
· tendinitis
· Osteoarthritis
· Bursitis
· capsulitis
· Infection
· Congenital abnormality
Structure of knee joint:
Knee joint is made up of three bones, various ligaments, two menisci
(shock absorbing pad like structures embedded between two bones) and joint
capsule and fluid.
Osteoarthritis of knee
It is a wear and tear condition of joint where there is reduction of
cartilage structure of bones (polishing structure over bone, which makes it to
glide easily while movement), resulting in rough surfaces, osteophytes(small
stone like growth of bone at edges), many times characterised by swelling, pain
and dysfunction in knee joint.
It can be classified as primary and secondary osteoarthritis. Primary means cause is unknown. It is more common than secondary
Osteoarthritis. It is usually due to ageing and wear and tear in joint.
Causes of osteoarthritis of knee.
· Genetic/inheritant
· Occupational
· Overweight/obesity
· Gender
· Postmenopausal
· Repetitive injuries
· Thyroid disease
· Dislocation of joint
· Previous infection
· RA
Symptoms
Symptoms
· Pain
· Stiffness
· Warmth
· Cranking sound
· Swelling
. difficulty in walking
. difficulty in walking
Diagnostic tools:
X-ray
MRI
CT Scan
CT Scan
Arthroscopy
Treatment
Main of treatment of osteoarthritis of knee is to relieve pain and to enhance or maintain mobility and function.It is to be done according to severity and extent of osteoarthritis.It is as follows:
·
Weight loss. Losing weight, can significantly decrease knee pain from
osteoarthritis.
·
Exercise. Strengthening the muscles around the knee makes the joint more
stable and decreases pain. Stretching exercises help keep the knee joint mobile
and flexible.
·
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicines. It can
relieve pain, but better to avoid for more than 10 days.
·
Injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid into the knee. Steroids are powerful
anti-inflammatory drugs. Hyaluronic acid is normally present in joints as a
type of lubricating fluid.
·
Braces. There are two types of braces:
"unloader" braces, which take the weight away from the side of the
knee affected by arthritis; and "support" braces, which provide
support for the entire knee.
·
Physiotherapy. If you are having trouble with daily activities, physiotherapy can
help. Physical therapists teach you ways to strengthen muscles and increase
flexibility in your joint.
·
Surgery. When other treatments don't work, surgery is a good option. It could be in the
form of arthroscopy,osteotomy,or joint replacement.
How to prevent it from worsening?
· Avoid prolonged standing
· Avoid stairs
· Avoid crossed leg sitting
· Avoid squatting position
· Maintain appropriate body weight
· Keep walking
· Consider ergonomics
Ayurved also can help in conjunction with physiotherapy:
http://drrajeshshrotriya.wordpress.com/arthritis-ayurveda-treatment/
http://drrajeshshrotriya.wordpress.com/arthritis-ayurveda-treatment/
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