The ends of the knee are covered by cartilage that allows the bone ends to move smoothly. This particular cartilage, known as articular cartilage, gradually wears away over time, becoming thinner and less resilient. Knee arthritis is an inflammation of the knee joint.
There are certain symptoms that can indicate the presence of this condition, such as:
Constant or intermittent pain that may worsen when walking or kneeling.
Deformation in the knee.
Swelling.
Instability and imbalance while walking.
Loss or decreased range of motion.
Muscle atrophy.
Grinding or creaking sensation caused by friction between the bone and cartilage.
The exact causes of this condition are not fully understood. We know that the risk can increase with age and that it can be hereditary.
Engaging in physical activity typically does not cause it unless an excessive amount is done. However, knee joint injuries can lead to arthritis in the long term.
Here are some things you should do and avoid if you have knee arthritis:
In your daily routine:
What to do:
Perform daily stretches to keep the joints mobile.
Maintain good posture.
Find a balance between your daily activities and rest. It's important to know your limits.
What to avoid:
Excess weight. It can increase complications in arthritis and intensify pain.
Smoking. Smoking causes stress on cognitive tissue, which can increase pain.
In exercise:
What to do:
Movement can help reduce pain and stiffness, strengthen muscles, and increase endurance.
Choose an appropriate type of activity that can strengthen the muscles without causing harm.
Focus on stretching and range of motion exercises.
Low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming, and pilates.
What to avoid:
High-impact activities.
Running.
Jumping.
Tennis.
Aerobic exercises.
Repeating movements several times, such as tennis serves.
Regarding medications:
What to do:
You can use pain relievers such as paracetamol, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to alleviate occasional pain caused by specific activities.
Apply anti-inflammatory creams to the skin over painful joints.
What to avoid:
Over-medicating with pain relievers.
Neglecting arthritis treatment.
Focusing solely on physical pain and disregarding emotional well-being.
Physical integration, emotional support, and alternative therapies:
What to do:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Relaxation therapy.
Acupuncture.
Heat and cold therapy.
Massages.
What to avoid:
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Smoking.
A negative attitude.
If you start developing arthritis, it is crucial to seek early medical attention as arthritis is progressive, and the longer you delay seeking treatment, the more joint degeneration will occur.
Additionally, your treating physician will not only establish the appropriate treatment but also suggest other practices that you can incorporate into your daily routine to manage this condition as effectively as possible.
Remember that you can schedule an appointment at our center for diagnosing, preventing, and treating arthritis.
