Osteoarthritis Knee: How It Impacts Your Daily Life and How to Manage It

What is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a degenerative condition that affects the cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. As the cartilage wears down over time, the bones in the knee may rub against each other, resulting in more pain and stiffness. OA knee can make simple tasks, like walking, climbing stairs, or kneeling, extremely challenging.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis Knee

• Pain that worsens after physical activity or long periods of standing
• Stiffness, particularly after waking up in the morning or after sitting for a while
• Swelling or warmth in the knee joint
• A feeling of instability or weakness in the knee
• Decreased flexibility, making it difficult to fully extend or bend the knee

Common Causes of Osteoarthritis Knee

Some common causes include:

• Age: The risk of developing OA increases with age as cartilage naturally breaks down.
• Previous Knee Injuries: Injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, increase the likelihood of developing OA in the affected knee.
• Overuse: People who engage in activities that stress the knee joint—like running or heavy lifting—are at higher risk.
• Obesity: Extra weight places additional stress on the knee joint, accelerating cartilage degeneration.

Potentially Serious Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain can also indicate more serious conditions such as:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and can damage joint tissues.
• Infections: Knee infections can lead to severe pain, swelling, and even fever, requiring urgent medical attention.
• Tumors: Although rare, tumors in or around the knee joint can cause pain and swelling.

The Importance of Imaging

Without proper imaging, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of knee pain. X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds provide vital information about cartilage damage, inflammation, and other potential issues, helping to confirm OA or identify more serious conditions.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we provide affordable imaging that delivers results in under one working day. If treatments you’ve tried haven’t worked, we also offer a $50 second opinion consultation to ensure that you’re on the right track.

Why Choose Us?

• Non-invasive treatments tailored to your condition
• Quick, affordable imaging for accurate diagnosis
• Medisave and insurance coverage to help with treatment costs

Visit Us If You Are:

• Tired of ineffective treatments
• Wanting a faster, clearer diagnosis through imaging
• Looking for a second opinion before considering surgery