Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and joint disorder worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. It affects about 32 million people in the United States alone, including an estimated 13% of women and 10% of men age 60 and up. However, it isn’t always a normal part of aging.
Scott Mabry, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon and section head of total joint arthroplasty in the UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Here, he answers some common questions about knee osteoarthritis and how it’s treated. This information is based on a typical patient and may not apply to every case.
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is an inflammatory (swelling) condition where the cushioning cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears down, making the space between the bones smaller. Eventually this can lead to the bones rubbing directly against each other, often referred to as “bone on bone”. Bone spurs (growths) also may form during this process, which can make the joint feel stiff and limit movement.
How does this type of condition usually develop?
Knee osteoarthritis can develop from prior injuries such as ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears or meniscus tears; inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis; or general wear and tear over time.
What are the immediate symptoms?
Knee osteoarthritis often starts with pain in the knee during activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods. As it gets worse, the pain can become more constant and may bother you while resting or at night. You should seek medical care immediately if you are unable to walk or put weight on the knee, or if you have severe swelling or significant loss of range of motion.
How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?
It’s usually diagnosed through a physical exam and X-rays. During the exam, your provider will check for pain in the joint, stiffness, and limited range of motion. He or she also will look for any visible changes in the alignment of the knee joint. X-rays help determine how advanced the condition is, and they also show any bone spurs that have formed or changes in knee joint alignment.
Does this injury require surgery?
For many patients, knee osteoarthritis symptoms can be managed for years without surgery. These nonsurgical treatments may include injections of steroids, gel, and/or platelet-rich plasma (PRP); anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling; and physical therapy. If these treatments don’t work or stop providing relief over time, knee replacement surgery can be a good option. With this procedure, the damaged joint surfaces are removed, and the ends of the bones are replaced to restore function and reduce pain.
What does recovery typically look like?
Knee replacement is usually a same-day surgery. During the first month, the goals are to reduce swelling, improve the range of motion, and walk without assistance. By the second month, most patients feel noticeably more functional. Physical therapy will help rebuild strength and further improve motion. By the end of the third month, most patients can return to their normal routines.
When can a person with knee osteoarthritis return to play or activity?
Return to full activity usually takes about three months after surgery, and this includes strenuous and high-impact activities. Resuming activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, and golf may be possible as soon as six weeks.
Can it be prevented?
It isn’t always possible to completely prevent knee osteoarthritis, especially when it’s related to past injuries or genetics. However, there are several ways to lower your risk and slow the progression of the condition.
Healthy lifestyle choices can make a big difference. Eating a well‑balanced diet can help reduce inflammation in the joints. Keeping your weight within the recommended range also reduces the stress and pressure on your knees, which can significantly slow the wear and tear that leads to arthritis.
When should someone with knee osteoarthritis see an orthopaedist or orthopaedic surgeon?
If chronic knee pain is limiting your activities or causing your knee to become increasingly stiff, you should consider being evaluated by an orthopaedist or orthopaedic surgeon. There are several early treatments that can get you back on your feet without surgery or allow you to postpone surgery.
To make an appointment with UAB Orthopaedic Surgery, please call 205-930-8339.