Risk groups


Osteoarthritis may run in families. It is more common in obese people and those who use the knee excessively such as for sports, standing for a long time or working for long hours with knee in extreme positions. Osteoarthritis is 10 time more common in females than in the males. People with bowed legs develop osteoarthritis much earlier.
Symptoms

Osteoarthritis of the knee is more common among people above fifty years of age, especially the obese. Most people with osteoarthritis complain of pain and/or creaking sound in the knee.
Many people who believe that knee pain means beginning of old age do not always consult with a doctor. It is important to remember that knee pain can occur at all ages and some causes are curable. Also, there are some diseases which may start as a mild pain but rapidly progress to destroy the knee joint. Early diagnosis and timely management that can prevent the progress of an
otherwise progressive disease.
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When to consult with a doctor?

You should consult with a doctor, especially orthopedic surgeon if you have:

What is Osteoarthritis?


• Pain or stiffness in one joint only or if one joint is affectedmore than the other;

• Repeated swelling of the knee with pain;

• Symptoms suggestive of a mechanical fault as suddenclicking, something either moving or loose inside the joint.

• Recent bowing of the legs with pain or the inner side of theknee.

• Walking about within the house is difficult due to pain.
Management

Osteoarthritis is not curable. Once it starts, it remains for rest of the life. However, you can relieve the symptoms and minimise disability with timely treatment. Management of osteoarthritis is through

• non-surgical methods in early stages and

• surgical methods in advanced stages.

Non-Surgical Management

The patient has to do the following for non-surgical management of osteoarthritis.
Patient education. You may start worrying about being crippled because of arthritis. Your doctor will, therefore, give you a very true picture of your condition which will help lessen your fears and anxiety.

Weight reduction. Regular and adequate exercise may be a problem if you have difficulty in walking. You may, however, do cycling or swimming regularly. It is, therefore, important to modify your diet and avoid high calorie foods such as sugar, sweets, rice, potato, oil or ghee.

Avoid the following which put excessive stress on the knee:

• Sitting on the floor, in low chairs, sofa or beds.

• Squatting, sitting cross-legged and using Indian style toilets.

• Exercises in which you have to stand or walk for a long time.

You may get relief by:


• Doing exercises where you can sit on a chair or stool.
« Doing specific exercises to build up the muscles around the knee for providing support to the 'weak' knee.


• Occasional use of medicines to relieve pain. Paracetamolis a safer medicine.