Tag osteoarthritis symptoms

Knee osteoarthritis is a condition caused by the degeneration of the joint cartilage and bones of the knee. This condition causes immobility, stiffness, and pain. In fact, the knee is one of the most commonly affected joints, and osteoarthritis is the leading cause of disability and chronic pain.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and causes swelling in the knees, back, hands, or hips. Although there are no cures for osteoarthritis, those suffering from knee osteoarthritis can manage the condition effectively with medication.

How Osteoarthritis Harms the Body

When osteoarthritis breaks down one or more joints, the affected joints can develop cartilage and bone changes. If this occurs, it may result in disability or the inability to complete daily tasks. Swelling and joint stiffness are more common in older adults, but they are not a normal part of aging.

Despite osteoarthritis causing joint instability, swelling, and pain, there are ways to manage the condition. In fact, proactive attention may help prevent or delay the onset of knee osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

In the early stages of knee osteoarthritis, an individual may experience numerous symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis consist of the following:

• Swelling in and around the joint
• Less ability to move the joint
• Joint pain, particularly when moving the joint
• Feeling as if the joint is unstable or loose
• Stiffness after resting the joint

For those experiencing any of the above symptoms, consider seeing a rheumatologist who can help diagnose your condition through lab tests, x-rays, a physical exam, and a review of your health history, including pertinent family history.

An Increased Risk for Knee Osteoarthritis

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Some of these include:

• Obesity – extra weight can affect metabolism, increasing the risk in weight-bearing joints such as the knees or hips
• Sex – women are more likely to develop the condition than men
• Age – the risk of knee osteoarthritis increases with age
• Family history – those with family members who have osteoarthritis may be at higher risk of developing the condition
• Repetitive stress – overusing a joint can damage it
• Injuries – stress on the joint can increase the risk of osteoarthritis

If you have already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you may have a higher probability of developing the condition in other joints of the body. Despite the lack of a cure, there are multiple ways to manage symptoms.

Some of the ways to manage osteoarthritis symptoms include:

• Protecting your joints
• Being physically active
• Learning skills to improve your quality of life and self-manage symptoms
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Speaking with a healthcare professional about your symptoms and plans for care.
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Participating in physical therapy to strengthen muscles and protect joints
• Undergoing joint replacement
• Utilizing supports such as crutches or a cane
• Using knee braces
• Trying knee injections

Additionally, genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that can help offer relief from knee pain. GAE reduces blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee, helping decrease pain and inflammation. More specifically, GAE can be a helpful treatment option that addresses pain without the need for surgery.

Find Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

At Provascular MD, we provide timely, accurate care. Whether you are in the early stages of knee osteoarthritis or you have tried multiple treatments, we are here to help find a diagnosis through a physical exam or imaging.

To treat knee osteoarthritis, minimally invasive procedures or knee surgery may be needed. However, when caught early, preventative measures can be applied to decrease the symptoms you experience. Contact our vascular treatment center today to learn more about your treatment options and how we can assist you.