Knee Osteoarthritis Can Be Painful And Disabling
Osteoarthritis is a prevalent disease affecting older populations and one of the leading causes of disability. Most notable is knee osteoarthritis, also known as knee wear and tear arthritis, which affects younger generations more than most other osteoarthritis types. Knee osteoarthritis can lead to long-lasting chronic disabilities for many people.

What is knee osteoarthritis?
Millions of patients suffer from the painful condition of knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis is considered a chronic disease of the entire knee joint, including meniscus, cartilage, muscles, and ligaments. Fortunately, knee osteoarthritis can be managed with the appropriate medical attention and care.
Obesity is a significant contributor
About 1 in 4 adults in the United States have some form of arthritis. Several factors contribute to developing arthritis. People who are overweight and obese are more at risk of developing osteoarthritis. Extra body weight puts more stress on joints, such as the knees, leading to knee osteoarthritis.
Your family history may show arthritis risks
The likelihood of someone developing knee osteoarthritis may be linked to genetics. While the specific genetic markers are unknown, experts estimate that more than half of knee osteoarthritis cases may be influenced by genetics. If a patient’s mother or father had knee osteoarthritis, the patient might be more likely to develop the condition later in life.
Aging joints heighten the risk of arthritis
Reports show that more than 27 million people in the United States have osteoarthritis, with the knee being the most commonly affected joints. While young people are not immune to developing arthritis, the chances of developing arthritis and knee osteoarthritis rise after age 45. Advanced age populations are at risk because the cartilage’s ability to heal decreases as a person gets older.
Is gender a risk factor?
Most types of arthritis, including knee osteoarthritis, are more common in women than in men. Some studies have shown that women are more likely to develop moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis after menopausal age. Many factors may contribute to why women are more susceptible to arthritis than men.
What are the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis?
Depending on the severity of an individual’s knee osteoarthritis, the symptoms can vary but most often include:
• Decreased mobility of the knee.
• A creaking or crackling sound when moving the knee.
• Knee stiffness and swelling.
• Increased pain during activity.
What are my diagnosis and treatment options?
Medical providers diagnose knee osteoarthritis after a thorough physical examination and imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans. There may also be blood tests to rule out other conditions that cause similar knee pain. Treatment for knee osteoarthritis will focus on how to relieve pain and increase mobility for the patient. Each patient’s treatment plan will be individually tailored to the condition’s severity and the medical provider’s opinion.
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