What is osteoarthritis of the knee?
"My knees hurt when I get up," "Climbing stairs is painful," "I can't do a standing position." If you have any of these knee problems, you may have osteoarthritis of the knee.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a condition in which the cartilage in the knee joint deteriorates, causing the joint to change shape and leading to pain and difficulty in movement. In Japanese people, it is especially common for the inner part of the knee to be painful, and as the condition progresses, it can lead to joint deformity (hallux valgus) and difficulty walking.
It is a disease that is common among women in their 50s and older. The causes include aging, obesity, excessive strain on the knees, and injuries; in some cases, diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may be the underlying cause. The prevalence of this disease among people aged 40 and over in Japan is reported to be 42.6% for men and 62.4% for women (※1).
In such cases, seek medical attention.
- The knee hurts at the start of movement (in the morning or when getting up).
- There is pain or discomfort on the inside of the knee
- My knee is swollen, I feel hot, and there's a lot of water collecting there.
- It is difficult to bend and straighten the knee
- O's leg has moved forward.
- Pain makes it difficult to walk, and even sitting still causes pain.
Symptoms often progress slowly and are often put off as "just a part of getting older." By checking the condition early, we aim to slow down the progression.
Tests performed at our clinic
X-rays are used to check for narrowing of the joint space (articular cartilage) and any bone deformation, and to assess the severity of the condition. An ultrasound (echocardiogram) is also performed. When it is necessary to distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and other knee conditions, blood tests and MRI scans are performed.
medical treatment
We will proceed gradually based on severity, age, and impact on daily life. We will start with non-surgical treatment (conservative therapy) first.
- therapeutic exerciseThe physical therapist will instruct you on strengthening the muscles in front of the thighs (the quadriceps), and on strengthening the muscles that support the knee. Aerobic exercise and stretching are also important.
- Injections and medicationWe provide hyaluronic acid joint injections and prescribe pain medication.
- equipmentWe offer suggestions for ways to reduce the burden on the knee with knee supports, foot pads (insoles), and canes.
- Lifestyle guidance and weight lossWe will consider your knee usage in daily life and weight management together.
If conservative therapy is ineffective, surgery (arthroscopy, bone marrow aspiration, and knee replacement surgery, for example) is considered.
Weight and knees
Weight plays a significant role in the strain placed on the knees. Obesity is one of the causes of osteoarthritis, and weight loss is one of the pillars of conservative treatment. If you are concerned about your weight or blood sugar levels or blood pressure, you can also consult the internal medicine department within the clinic.
Doctors who treat this disease
The surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon. Our hospital has a plastic surgery specialist from the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on staff.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is it inevitable because of my age that I have knee pain?
A. Age is one of the causes, but obesity, stress on the knees, and injuries also play a role. By checking the condition early, we aim to slow down the progression.
Q. Can hyaluronic acid injections be administered?
A. Yes. We will check the knee condition during the examination and, if necessary, perform the treatment.
Q. What do you do in rehab?
A. The physical therapist will instruct you on strengthening the muscles in front of the thighs and the muscles that support the knee, as well as on stretching exercises.
Related explanatory articles
Other diseases in the same category
- Lower back pain and strain of the lower back
- Shoulder pain and tenosynovitis
- An ankle sprain
- Accident injury/kick (self-insurance)
- Fatty liver (MASLD)(Internal Medicine)
*1 Yoshimura N, et al. Prevalence of knee osteoarthritis, lumbar spondylosis, and osteoporosis in Japanese men and women: the ROAD study. J Bone Miner Metab. 2009;27(5):620-628.