Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a disease resulting from the degeneration of the articular cartilage at the knee joints. This cartilage deterioration and joint bone wear are associated with aging, usage, or hormonal changes in postmenopausal women due to the lack of estrogen, which normally helps protect the knee cartilage. When the protective cartilage is gone, the bones rub against each other under load, leading to symptoms such as knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and, in severe cases, deformity and abnormal movement.
Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis:
- Excessive body weight
- Overuse of the knee joints
- Improper knee movements, leading to abnormal bending or stretching
- Lack of exercise or regular heavy alcohol consumption can accelerate joint degeneration
Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis: Knee osteoarthritis is typically diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition.
Treatment Approaches for Knee Osteoarthritis:
- Lifestyle modifications to address the causes, such as weight loss and exercise, care in joint movements
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and alleviate pain
- Medications like pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by a doctor
- Surgical options such as joint fusion (Arthrodesis), knee replacement (Arthroplasty), or bone realignment (Osteotomy)
Additionally, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers methods to slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis, including acupuncture, topical and fumigation treatments, Tuina massage, and Chinese herbal medicine. Early intervention can help delay and reduce the severity of the degeneration, alleviating the pain and discomfort from deteriorating knee joints.
