What is Knee Osteoarthritis? Early Symptoms and Treatment

What is Knee Osteoarthritis? Early Symptoms and Treatment

Knee osteoarthritis, also known as calcification, is a common disease characterized by the gradual wear of joint cartilage. Recognizing early symptoms allows for appropriate treatment methods to be applied. In this article, you will find comprehensive information about what knee osteoarthritis is, its early symptoms, diagnostic methods, and approaches used in treatment.

Basic Information About Knee Osteoarthritis (Calcification)

Knee osteoarthritis, medically known as knee calcification, is a chronic joint disease that develops as a result of the gradual deterioration and wear of the cartilage tissue that forms the knee joint. Cartilage prevents friction between the bones in the knee joint, allowing smooth movement. However, when the cartilage structure deteriorates, rough surfaces develop on the joint, bones begin to contact each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and movement restrictions.

Although knee osteoarthritis is generally seen in older age, it can develop earlier due to risk factors such as sports injuries, knee trauma, obesity, genetic predisposition, and occupational factors. The risk of calcification increases especially in athletes and active individuals following repeated knee injuries or insufficient healing.

Early Symptoms and Diagnostic Methods

The early stages of knee osteoarthritis usually present with mild symptoms. At this stage, patients may experience occasional knee pain, slight swelling, and discomfort during movement. Recognizing early symptoms is crucial for diagnosis and treatment because if the disease is treated before it progresses, a decline in quality of life can be prevented.

The most commonly observed early symptoms include:

• Pain in the knee, especially when bearing weight or walking uphill
• Stiffness and rigidity in the knee after morning or prolonged rest
• Limited knee movement or mild swelling around the joint
• Occasional cracking or grinding sounds in the knee
• Worsening pain after long walks or activity

Diagnosis involves a detailed patient history, physical examination, and imaging techniques. X-rays are useful for showing specific signs of calcification such as cartilage loss, osteophytes (bone spurs), and narrowing of the joint space. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides more detailed information about cartilage structure and surrounding soft tissues.

Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis

Treatment for knee osteoarthritis is determined based on the stage of the disease, the patient's age, lifestyle, and severity of symptoms. The goal is to reduce pain, preserve joint function, and enable the patient to continue daily activities.

Conservative treatments include:

• Physical therapy and exercise programs: applied to increase muscle strength and reduce the load on the joint. Strengthening the muscles around the knee supports mobility.
• Medication: pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to improve patient comfort. However, long-term and uninformed use carries risks.
• Cartilage-protective supplements and injections: Hyaluronic acid injections can increase joint lubrication; corticosteroid injections can temporarily reduce inflammation.
• Orthopedic supports and knee braces: provide support to the knee joint, alleviate pain, and improve stability.

Surgical treatment is generally considered in advanced stages and when conservative methods are insufficient. Surgical options include arthroscopic cleaning, knee joint repairs, and cartilage reconstructions. In severe calcification and advanced damage, knee prosthesis surgery (total or partial knee replacement) is an effective option to relieve pain and restore function.

Lifestyle Changes and Preventive Measures

Lifestyle changes play a critical role in slowing the progression of knee osteoarthritis and alleviating symptoms. These include weight management, regular exercise, joint-friendly activities, and proper nutrition.

Maintaining an ideal weight reduces stress on the knee joint. Obesity is a significant factor that increases the risk and progression of knee osteoarthritis. Regular exercise programs enhance joint mobility and reduce complaints related to osteoarthritis by strengthening muscles.

Walking on soft surfaces, avoiding sudden movements, and protecting joints from traumatic impacts are also among preventive measures. Additionally, choosing appropriate footwear is important for joint health.

In summary, knee osteoarthritis is a manageable condition with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Special attention should be given to knee pain and movement restrictions following sports injuries. With the current approaches and clinical experience of Prof. Dr. Gökhan Polat, patients are offered opportunities for a healthy and active life.