What triggers knee osteoarthritis?

Latest research has discovered the cause of osteoarthritis to be multifactorial. Trauma, mechanical forces, inflammation, biochemical reactions and metabolic disorder have a crucial role to play.

However, particular to the knee joint; being obese, having a background of knee injury and a task needing kneeling, climbing and crouching can enhance the risk of establishing osteoarthritis.

How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?

Knee OA is diagnosed by 2 main procedures. 

The initial is based on your report of your symptoms and a Singapore physio examination. Your physiotherapist will ask you queries concerning your health history and activity. The specialist will conduct a physical examination to determine your knee’s movement (range of activity), strength, wheelchair, and flexibility. You may likewise be asked to conduct numerous movements to see if they increase or reduce the discomfort you are feeling.

The 2nd device used to identify knee OA is diagnostic imaging. Your physiotherapist may refer you to a medical professional, who will arrange X-rays of the knee in a range of positions to look for damages to the bone and cartilage material of your knee joint. If more serious joint damage is suspected, an MRI may be ordered to look more carefully at the general status of the joint and surrounding tissues. Blood examinations also might be purchased to help rule out various other conditions that can cause signs and symptoms similar to knee OA.

Muscle fortifying

Enhancing the muscles around your knee will be a vital part of your rehab program. Individuals with knee OA who abide by strengthening programs have been shown to have less discomfort and a boosted total quality of life. 

There are a number of variables that influence the health of a joint: the quality of the cartilage that runs along the bones, the tissue within and around the joints, and the associated muscles. Due to the deterioration on cartilage material associated with knee OA, preserving strength in the muscle mass near the joint is critical to maintain joint health. 

As an example, as the muscles along the front and rear of your thigh (quadriceps and hamstrings) cross the knee joint, they assist regulate the activity and forces that are applied to the bones.

Strengthening the hip and core muscles additionally can aid stabilize the amount of pressure on the knee joint, especially throughout hiking or running. The “core” describes the muscles of the abdomen, low back, and pelvis. 

A strong core will raise stability across your body as you shift your limbs. Your physical therapist will analyze these various muscle mass groups, contrast the stamina in each limb, and suggest particular exercises to focus on your areas of weakness.

Your physiotherapist might also suggest therapeutic techniques, such as ice and heat, to aid in pain management. Check out this article too if you are confused about the differences between physiotherapy and orthopaedic surgery.