Medical Fun Facts on Osteoarthritis Knee

Wobbly knees or creaky knees are relatively common among adults above the age of 60. Knee osteoarthritis is simply prolonged knee inflammation and is commonly caused by wear and tear of knee layers. The knee layer that is responsible for smooth articulation and painless knee movement is called cartilage. Damage to cartilage is irreversible. The wear and tear of cartilage often results in inflammation, and increases blood flow hence causing the joint to feel pain, swelling and inflamed.

Typical lifestyle tell-tale signs of chronic knee pain (osteoarthritis) are

1.Unresolving knee pain

2.Stiffness of knee joint especially when initiating movements

3.Tenderness and dull ache especially after doing physical activity like more than normal standing eg housework, mopping the floor , exercise or running up a hill and playing sports exertion

4.Grating knee sounds -eggcracking type of feeling when moving knee (Crepitus) .Occasional grating sound is relatively normal but if excessive it may indicate advance knee osteoarthritis

5.Knee swelling especially after about of physical exertion. Usually over the sides of patella bone

6.Loss of flexibility even with minimal weight bearing hence the need to use walking aid. Advanced knee arthritis causes laxity and instability of joints

The above are classical early signs of knee pain. In normal individuals not all symptoms present at the same time or together.The most common complain is deep ache over inner side of the knee.
Suggestions of treatment of knee pain would include home remedies would include tropical pain killers eg creams,plasters and sprays, oral over the counter painkillers, heat and cold therapy and stretching.If symptoms persist beyond 3 weeks ,a consult by medical practitioner would be adviseable.

Usually knee osteoarthritis begins in one part of the knee usually the inner knee and only later does it progress to involve the other compartments. This gives the patient the option to try to arrest progression by suitable intervention.