Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a degenerative joint condition where the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones wears down over time. This leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is one of the most common causes of knee pain, particularly among older adults, individuals with previous knee injuries, or those who are overweight.

Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis

There is no single cause of knee osteoarthritis. However, some common risk factors include:

• Ageing: Natural wear and tear of the joint cartilage
• Previous injuries: Past ligament tears, fractures, or meniscus injuries
• Excess weight: Adds extra stress on knee joints
• Genetics: Family history of osteoarthritis increases risk
• Repetitive stress: Jobs or activities involving frequent kneeling, squatting, or heavy lifting

Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

Typical symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:

• Pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
• Swelling around the knee joint
• Reduced range of motion and difficulty bending or straightening the knee
• Grinding, clicking, or popping sounds with movement
• Weakness in surrounding muscles leading to instability

How is Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Your physiotherapist or doctor will:

1. Review your medical history to understand symptoms, duration, and previous injuries
2. Perform a physical examination to check joint movement, swelling, and pain points
3. Order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs if needed to assess cartilage loss and joint changes

Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis

While osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that cannot be reversed, early treatment and management can significantly reduce pain and improve your daily life.

1. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing knee osteoarthritis. Treatment may include:

1. Strengthening exercises for muscles around the knee to improve support and reduce pain
2. Manual therapy techniques to improve joint mobility
3. Modalities such as ultrasound or TENS therapy for pain relief
4. Balance and gait training to improve stability
5. Education on activity modification and joint protection techniques

2. Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce the stress placed on your knee joints, slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

3. Medications

Your physician may prescribe pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and swelling.

4. Assistive Devices

Using knee braces, orthotics, or supportive footwear can help reduce joint load and improve function.

5. Surgical Options

In severe cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief, knee replacement surgery may be recommended.

How Physiotherapy Can Help You

At Aurika Wellness Clinic, Mississauga, our experienced physiotherapists provide customised treatment plans for knee osteoarthritis based on your specific symptoms and goals. We focus on:

• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Improving joint mobility and flexibility
• Strengthening muscles for better knee support
• Enhancing balance and walking ability

Book Your Appointment Today

If you are experiencing knee pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact Aurika Wellness Clinic at 905-466-4169 or book your appointment online to start your journey towards pain-free movement and better knee health.