What we know about what causes osteoarthritis knee pain.
Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage that helps protect your knee begins to deteriorate and the joint space between the bones narrow. In addition, knee joint fluid begins to break down and lose its ability to cushion and lubricate the knee. This causes common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis knee pain needs to be actively managed.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, meaning once you have it, you have it for life. But that doesn’t mean you have to live in pain. You may be able to reduce knee pain with the right combination of exercise and knee pain management strategies.
Only you know how much knee pain you’re in.
While an X-ray can show the grade or stage of your osteoarthritis, it can’t tell an individual how much pain you’re in. You can have mild osteoarthritis with considerable pain or severe osteoarthritis with little pain. So although it’s helpful to know your grade or stage, make sure you and your physiotherapist discuss your pain and treatment options in detail.
Maintaining a healthy weight is key.
For each extra pound or weight on your body, your knee joint feels an extra four pounds of pressure. Less weight means less strain on your knees. Lose just ten pounds and you’ll be getting over forty pounds off your knees!
Motion is lotion for knees with osteoarthritis.
Exercise is crucial at any stage. Contrary to popular belief, activities like running don’t cause osteoarthritis. But once you have osteoarthritis, high impact exercise can aggravate it. Fortunately, there are many low-impact exercises, like swimming, biking or targeted strengthening exercises that can be tailor made for you by your physiotherapist, that are helpful. Be sure to ask your physiotherapist about the best exercises for you.
For further Help please contact us at Southside Physiotherapy Clinic
Phone: 01 2897171 or E-mail info@southsidephysio.com.
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By Anne Gibney