Osteoarthritis of the Knee:
Understanding and Managing Your Pain

Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common and challenging conditions that can significantly impact your quality of life. Whether it’s due to previous injuries, surgeries, or years of poor movement and alignment, osteoarthritis often leads to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities. Most commonly, it affects the inside (medial) part of the knee, where cartilage loss and joint space narrowing can cause considerable discomfort and limit your mobility.

What Causes Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee develops over time as the protective cartilage in the joint wears down, leading to bone-on-bone friction. This process can be accelerated by factors such as:

• Previous injuries or surgeries: Trauma to the knee can damage cartilage and alter joint mechanics, making osteoarthritis more likely.
• Poor movement patterns: Misalignment and improper movement can place uneven stress on the knee joint, leading to faster cartilage breakdown.
• Aging: As we age, the cartilage in our joints naturally wears down, making osteoarthritis more common in older adults.

Managing Osteoarthritis: Strengthening, Alignment, and Motion

While you may not be able to reverse the process of arthritis, there is much you can do to manage your symptoms and maintain your knee function. Strengthening the muscles around your knee is crucial for improving shock absorption and knee control. This not only reduces pain but also helps protect the joint from further damage.

• Muscle Strengthening: By building up the muscles that support your knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, you can provide better support and stability to the joint. This is essential for reducing the stress on the knee and improving your ability to move without pain.
• Improving Posture and Alignment: Your posture and alignment play a significant role in how forces are distributed across your knee. Poor alignment can increase the load on the medial part of the knee, where osteoarthritis often occurs. By improving your posture, you can reduce these harmful forces and help preserve your knee’s function.
• Maximizing Range of Motion: Maintaining and improving the range of motion in your knee is key to reducing stiffness and keeping the joint as healthy as possible. Gentle stretching and targeted exercises can help you retain mobility and flexibility, making everyday movements easier and less painful.

Considering Knee Replacement Surgery?

If your knee pain has become so severe that it’s limiting your enjoyment of life, a total knee replacement may be the next step. This surgery can be life-changing, offering significant pain relief and improved function. However, it’s essential to prepare your knee for the best possible outcome.

• Prehabilitation (Pre-Hab): Engaging in a prehabilitation program before your surgery can make a world of difference in your recovery. By focusing on strengthening and improving your knee’s range of motion before surgery, you can ensure that your muscles and joints are in the best possible condition. This preparation not only helps with your post-surgery recovery but can also improve the overall success of the knee replacement.

At PhysioActive, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re managing osteoarthritis symptoms or preparing for surgery, our experienced team can help you develop a personalized plan to reduce pain, improve function, and maintain your quality of life.

Don’t let knee pain keep you from living your best life. Contact us today to learn how we can help you manage osteoarthritis of the knee and take the first steps toward a healthier, more active future.