This type of arthritis is characterized by the deterioration of the articular cartilage, which is also the main problem associated with the disease. Causes of this condition include:
A.) Excessive strain on the knee
B.) Ligament tear, bone fractures and meniscal injuries
C.) Genetics
D.) Obesity
E.) Problems with the bone layer underneath the cartilage
2.) Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis
A.) X-rays are particularly helpful as they allow the doctor to determine whether there is a narrowing of the joint space and thus rule out other causes of painful knees.
B.) An MRI can also be done in cases where a detailed imaging is essential. Arthroscopic surgery is another procedure used to view the condition of the knee.
3.) Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis gradually progresses over a period of years. The primary symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:
A.) Pain
B.) Stiffness
C.) Limited range of motion of the knee
D.) Swelling
The pain experienced as a result of knee osteoarthritis can be very severe especially following a heavy activity. The stiffness felt can be aggravated by prolonged sitting. As this form of arthritis gets more complicated, the discomfort can become more and more intense and become debilitating.
4.) Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Treatment of knee osteoarthritis is focused at managing the symptoms and the deterioration of the articular cartilage. Conventional pain medications such as acetaminophen can help relieve pain. NSAIDs are also very effective at relieving painful knees in osteoarthritis sufferers.
Other ways to help treat osteoarthritis include:
A.) Management of weight
B.) Application of topical cream
C.) Knee brace or support
D.) Joint protection techniques
E.) Hot and cold compress
F.) Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplementation
G.) Surgery
(If you are concerned about your current pain problems, and you are considering surgery, it is also wise to consult your physician.)
Early management and treatment of knee osteoarthritis is most beneficial. Knee osteoarthritis, if treated early, can be effectively managed and treated.
5.) Using a Knee Brace to Manage Painful Knees due Osteoarthritis
The types of knee braces include:
A.) Single-Piece Sleeves: This brace made of neoprene, or drytex (an elastic-rubbery material), is the simplest type of support. This support is pulled on over the knee, in one piece. The kind of knee brace provides compression, and extra support to help treat mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
B.) An Unloader Knee Brace - This type of support is made from molded plastic and foam, or an elastic material. It is designed to ship stress away from the side of your knee that may be suffering due to damaged cartilage and alignment problems. This support is usually custom-fit to each individual patient with medial component osteoarthritis.
Knee braces can be very effective for this kind of condition and should never be overlooked, unless you want to look back and regret you neglected this kind of conservative treatement.
Young or old, man or woman, it does not matter, bad knee cartilage can really put a damper on your activities of daily living, no to mention any sports you would like to play!
If you can relate to this information, then this article was written for you.
1.) How is Bad Knee Cartilage Diagnosed?
If you are suffering from painful knees, it is important that you should go to an orthopedic surgeon or other qualified physician, who will be able to make a proper diagnosis after examining your knee X-Rays. Pain in the knees can be caused by a number of different factors and it is important to pinpoint the cause before the appropriate treatment can be recommended. Self-diagnosis followed by the wrong course of self-treatment could actually worsen the pain.
2.) What Can Be Done About Bad Knee Cartilage?
Surgery is an option for bad knee cartilage, although it is not the only option. The type of surgery that your doctor will recommend depends on how badly the cartilage has been damaged. The process can be very helpful but a recovery time will be required, and the procedure may be costly.
3.) Can Medication Help?
Many doctors will prescribe medication for the pain that is associated with this condition, although this is only a temporary fix. Physicians are also well aware of the side effects and addictive properties of pain medications, and are therefore not necessarily eager to prescribe too much.
4.) Are There Positive Results From Using A Knee Brace?
Knee braces for support and to help maintain proper alignment can also be used with a lot of positive results. If your pain is triggered by moving excessively at the knee joint then these braces can act as a reminder for you. They can be acquired very quickly and can greatly reduce your knee pain due to the support that they can provide.
A.) What activities can you enjoy when wearing a knee brace?
When you are using a knee support, often times you are still allowed a wide range of motion, unless your physician forbids it. Excessive movements can be controlled, and may very well be in your favor to do so.
B.) Are knee supports really cumbersome and difficult to use?
A knee support is something that you will need to wear to enjoy the benefits of its use. It will inevitably take up a small amount of space, like anything else you put on your body, but many low profile styles and designs do exist today. If you think about it, knee brace companies probably would have been out of business a long time ago if everyone thought they were "big and bulky".
If you are suffering from a bad knee cartilage, the treatment that you choose depends on your lifestyle and how active you want to be. You can choose to get surgery on your knee or use a knee brace to help stop the pain and to help allow you to enjoy your every day activities.
Andrew Sims has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Hemorrhoids Treatment and Fitness. If you would like to take your knee stability to the next level then visit us online today at