Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative condition of the joints caused by the wear and tear of protective cartilage. The knee joint is one of the most commonly affected areas.

Causes & Symptoms

Common Causes:

  • Age-related joint degeneration (especially after 50)
  • Obesity
  • Weak muscles around the knee
  • Family history of arthritis
  • Previous joint injuries

Common Symptoms:

  • Pain while walking or climbing stairs
  • Difficulty getting up from a sitting position
  • Cracking or grinding sound in the knees
  • Swelling and stiffness
  • Joint deformity in advanced stages

Protecting Your Knees in the Early Stages

While total knee replacement is the gold standard for late-stage OA, early intervention can help delay progression and improve quality of life.

  1. Weight Reduction
    • Extra body weight puts more pressure on your knee joints.
    • Follow a high-protein, low-carb, low-calorie diet.
    • Do low-impact cardio: walking, swimming & cycling.
  2. Knee Strengthening Exercises
    • Daily exercises to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and
    • Avoid high-impact activities like jumping or jogging.
    • Add core and lower back strengthening for better balance and stability.

Supportive Measures

  • Hot fomentation to reduce stiffness and ease pain.
  • Crepe bandage or knee brace for compression and swelling control.
  • Ankle pump and calf exercises to improve blood flow.
  • Elevate your leg with a pillow at night to reduce swelling.
  • Proper footwear with ankle support helps with balance and reduces strain.
  • Stay hydrated – water is essential for cartilage health.

Medications and Supplements

Glucosamine:

  • A natural substance in cartilage.
  • Helps reduce joint pain, inflammation, and slows cartilage damage.
  • It may take 4 to 8 weeks to show effect.
  • Can be continued long-term if beneficial.

Glucosamine + Chondroitin Supplements:

  • Does not cure OA but may delay progression in some patients.
  • Works best when combined with weight management and exercise.

Take-Home Message

  • Address knee pain early.
  • Lose weight to reduce joint stress.
  • Do daily knee and leg strengthening exercises.
  • Stay active with low-impact cardio.
  • Use supportive measures: hot packs, bandages and footwear.
  • Consider glucosamine supplements.

All these steps together will help reduce knee pain, improve joint function, and enhance your mobility and quality of life.

Dr. Vikraman

Dr. Vikraman
Junior Consultant Orthopaedician
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai

Kauvery Hospital