Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones wears down over time. Knee osteoarthritis affects nearly 14 million people of which roughly 50 percent are under the age of 65. Women are more likely to get OA than men and the risk increases with age. Progressive inflammation and damage to bony structures of the knee joint can occur at a younger age if the patient has had a sports injury, enjoys an activity that repetitively stresses the joint or does heavy lifting.
Knee OA may cause pain when rising from a chair, standing, walking and using stairs. The pain may be aggravated by:
Physical therapists are movement specialists who help to improve physical activity and promote lifestyle changes that can reduce the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Many times, the first line of defense is exercise and weight reduction to reduce pain and improve mobility. In fact, exercise & physical activity often result in better outcomes than medications, injections & surgery.
Your physical therapy treatment at SOS PHYSIO Rehab may include
What Do I Do About Knee Osteoarthritis?
Talk with your physician about your knee pain and ask physical therapy. Your physical therapist can help you manage knee osteoarthritis and keep you doing the things you love.