Knee Osteoarthritis
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
It occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint starts to wear down.
As the condition progresses, it can become difficult to perform everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or bending down.
Although it is more common in older individuals, knee arthritis can occur at any age and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as injury, genetics, or obesity.
What are the symptoms?
Knee arthritis is a condition that affects many people, especially as they age. This condition is characterized by the following:
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
How knee osteoarthritis can affect your daily life
With time, arthritis in the knee can lead to chronic pain and, in some cases, the inability to fully extend the leg. The constant pain can result in the following:
Disrupted sleep
Fatigue
Depression
Swollen, red, and warm joints
Unsettling clicking, grinding, or snapping noises
While this condition can be caused by many different factors, there are some key risk factors that can put you at increased risk:
Older Age
The risk of developing this painful condition increases as people age because the cartilage in their knees naturally wears down over time. This cartilage acts like a cushion between the bones and joints of the knee, providing protection and support during movement.
Obesity
The extra weight carried by obese individuals places additional pressure on their knee joints, leading to increased wear and tear, and ultimately, cartilage breakdown.
Previous Knee Injuries
injuries can also cause changes in the alignment and mechanics of the knee joint, further increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis
How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of knee arthritis typically involves a physical exam, imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI, and laboratory tests such as blood tests. Your doctor may also ask you questions about your medical history and perform a joint fluid analysis to determine the cause of your knee pain.
How you can manage Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Geniculate artery embolization
Geniculate artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic knee pain.
It’s performed by injecting small particles into one or more of the geniculate arteries, which supply blood to the knee joint. The particles block the blood flow, reducing inflammation and pain.
Unlike traditional knee surgeries, GAE does not require large incisions or a prolonged recovery time. You can return just a couple hours later and experience significant pain relief within a week.