Living with Osteoarthritis of the Knee? Find Relief Today!

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide[1]. This condition leads to chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

And the number of people experiencing knee OA is expected to increase. That’s why it is essential to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available[1].

That way when you or someone you know begins to experience knee pain, you’ll know exactly what steps you need to take to find relief!

Knowledge is power, and reading this article is a great first step. You’ll learn the basics of knee osteoarthritis, risk factors, and various treatment options for knee OA. 

The Science Behind the Pain: How Osteoarthritis Develops

Knee OA is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the knee. This cartilage wears down enough that bone-on-one contact occurs, causing inflammation and pain[1]. Some patients may experience limited mobility as well. 

As you can see from the diagram above, knee OA is a complex condition that affects not only the joint but also the surrounding tissues, including cartilage, synovium, subchondral bone, ligaments, and muscles[1]. 

The exact mechanisms behind knee OA are still not fully understood. Current research suggests that a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contribute to this condition[5].

Knee OA Causes and Risk Factors

While the causes of knee OA are unclear, several risk factors have been identified. 

The following factors may contribute to the development of knee OA:

• Age: Knee OA is more common among older adults. The risk increases significantly after the age of 50[10].
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop knee OA than men, especially after menopause[1].
• Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in the development of knee OA. Certain genetic variants can increase your risk[11].
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the knee joint, increasing the risk of OA[14].
• Lifestyle factors: A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and smoking can all contribute to the development of knee OA[14].

Finding Relief: Conservative Treatments for Knee OA

There is no cure for knee OA at this time. However, various treatments can help manage its symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.

These include:

• Physiotherapy: Gentle exercises and stretches can help improve mobility and strength[2].
• Lifestyle modifications: Weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes can help reduce stress on the knee joint[14].
• Orthopedic aids: Knee braces, insoles, and other devices can help reduce pain and improve mobility[12].
• Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and inflammation[2].

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Injections for Knee OA

Corticosteroids or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections can provide temporary pain relief for knee OA patients[3]. However, these injections have limitations and may not be suitable for everyone.

If you’re considering this option, you’ll want to consult with a medical professional and share your knee pain history. 

When Other Treatments Fail: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the blood vessels supplying the knee joint, reducing inflammation and pain.

This newer procedure has shown promising results in reducing knee pain and improving mobility, making it a great option for those who have not responded to other treatments[4]. GAE has a much lower risk of complications and can be performed on an outpatient basis, unlike surgery.

GAE can provide long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility, allowing patients to reclaim their independence and enjoy a better quality of life[7].

Conclusion

As you’ve now learned, Knee OA is a complex condition that can be addressed in different ways. For those with minor knee pain, simple lifestyle changes could solve the problem. Others may need a little extra help with a treatment like GAE.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available, you can begin to take control of your knee health and live a life free of knee pain.

If you’re struggling with knee OA, consider meeting with one of our experts at Centers For Knee Pain to discuss your options, including GAE. We provide personalized care for our patients, evaluating their medical history and experience with knee pain to recommend modern treatment options.  

Kick the pain of knee OA out of your life. Schedule a consultation today!

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Still wondering which treatment is right for you? Take our FREE Knee Quiz and learn more!

Citations

1. Bennell, K., Hunter, D., & Hinman, R. (2012). Management of osteoarthritis of the knee. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 345, e4934.
2. Michael, J., Schlüter-Brust, K., & Eysel, P. (2010). The epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 107(9), 152-162.
3. Pavone, V., Vescio, A., Turchetta, M., Giardina, S., Culmone, A., & Testa, G. (2021). Injection-Based Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Systematic Review of Guidelines. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 661805.
4. Dell’Isola, A., & Steultjens, M. (2018). Classification of patients with knee osteoarthritis in clinical phenotypes: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative. PLoS ONE, 13(1), e0191045.
5. Evangelou, E., Valdes, A., Kerkhof, H., Styrkársdóttir, U., Zhu, Y., Meulenbelt, I.,… & Spector, T. (2010). Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies confirms a susceptibility locus for knee osteoarthritis on chromosome 7q22. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 70(3), 349-355.
6. Gidwani, S., & Fairbank, A. (2004). The orthopaedic approach to managing osteoarthritis of the knee. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 329(7476), 1220-1224.
7. Giorgino, R., Albano, D., Fusco, S., Peretti, G., Mangiavini, L., & Messina, C. (2023). Knee Osteoarthritis: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Mesenchymal Stem Cells: What Else Is New? An Update. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(7), 6405.
8. Rezuș, E., Burlui, A., Cardoneanu, A., Macovei, L., Tamba, B., & Rezus, C. (2021). From Pathogenesis to Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis: Bench-to-Bedside. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(5), 2697.
9. Schlüter-Brust, K., & Eysel, P. (2010). The epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 107(9), 152-162.
10. Bennell, K., Hunter, D., & Hinman, R. (2012). Management of osteoarthritis of the knee. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 345, e4934.
11. Evangelou, E., Valdes, A., Kerkhof, H., Styrkársdóttir, U., Zhu, Y., Meulenbelt, I.,… & Spector, T. (2010). Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies confirms a susceptibility locus for knee osteoarthritis on chromosome 7q22. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 70(3), 349-355.
12. Gidwani, S., & Fairbank, A. (2004). The orthopaedic approach to managing osteoarthritis of the knee. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 329(7476), 1220-1224.
13. Schlüter-Brust, K., & Eysel, P. (2010). The epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 107(9), 152-162.
14. Bennell, K., Hunter, D., & Hinman, R. (2012). Management of osteoarthritis of the knee. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 345, e4934.