Knee osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint pathologies after the age of 50. This progressive degeneration of articular cartilage particularly affects active people who put daily stress on their knees in their professional or sporting activities. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the wear and tear of cartilage, the smooth tissue that allows the smooth sliding of joint surfaces. When this degradation sets in, it generates mechanical pain and progressive stiffness that can significantly limit your mobility and quality of life.
Causes
Knee osteoarthritis results from the interaction of multiple factors that promote premature wear of the articular cartilage. A history of trauma such as fractures or ligament injuries Old habits constitute major risk factors because they alter the mechanical balance of the joint. Specific bone morphology, particularly valgus or varus deformities of the lower limbs, concentrates stress on certain cartilaginous areas. Excess weight exacerbates these phenomena by increasing the load borne by the joint with each step. Occupational activities requiring prolonged squatting or intensive contact sports can also accelerate this degenerative process.
Symptoms
Knee osteoarthritis primarily manifests as mechanical pain that intensifies during activity and diminishes at rest. This pain typically occurs when going up and down stairs, particularly when going downhill where joint stress is greatest. Morning stiffness is another characteristic sign that gradually fades within the first few minutes of activity. Patients frequently describe sensations of locking or catching during movement, accompanied by intermittent swelling of the joint. This progressive progression leads to a reduction in walking distance and increasing difficulty with simple actions such as getting up from a chair.
Treatments
The management of’knee osteoarthritis Initially, a conservative approach tailored to the stage of the condition is favored. Medical treatment combines anti-inflammatory medications adapted to your clinical situation with intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections, which can provide lasting relief for several months. Specialized physiotherapy plays a central role in maintaining joint mobility and strengthening the periarticular muscles, the knee's natural support. Weight management, when necessary, significantly reduces mechanical stress on the joint. This combined therapeutic approach is accompanied by adjustments to physical activities, emphasizing low-impact sports such as cycling or water aerobics.
Surgery
When conservative treatments are no longer sufficient to control pain and functional limitations, several surgical solutions can be considered depending on the extent of the osteoarthritis. Realignment osteotomy aims to correct the axis of the lower limb to harmoniously redistribute joint loads, and is particularly effective when osteoarthritis is limited to one compartment of the leg. knee. The unicompartmental prosthesis replaces only the arthritic area while preserving healthy structures, indicated for localized osteoarthritis with intact ligaments. Total knee replacement is the standard treatment for extensive osteoarthritis, replacing all joint surfaces with anatomical implants that restore normal joint function and provide lasting pain relief.
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