Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that results from the breakdown of articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is a layer of tissue found in all of our joints that provides a low-friction surface for movement and also shock absorption. OA is common in older adults and often occurs without a specific or known cause. However, a history of past trauma to the knee (including past surgeries) or other diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis) can result in an increased risk of developing OA. There is a common misconception that running can lead to OA, but there is limited evidence to support this idea.
Common symptoms of knee OA include:
Knee OA can often be seen with an x-ray and is typically treated with conservative measures prior to surgery. Many people find they can avoid or delay surgery with physical therapy. Physical therapy can help to assess and treat clinical findings that are contributing to knee OA, such as weakness, tightness, and decreased mobility.
Common clinical findings include:
Physical therapy helps to restore strength and mobility to the knee. Education regarding proper exercises and activity modification is also imperative to successful outcomes. It is important to note that while the knee may be the main source of pain, treatment may include exercises targeted at the hip or ankle. These areas help to support the knee and stability through the
entire leg is critical for proper management of this condition. Following the completion of physical therapy treatment, it is essential to continue with a tailored home exercise program to maintain the benefits gained with in-person treatment.
Sometimes knee OA progresses to the point where surgical interventions offer the most effective pain relief. Most common surgeries include a partial or total knee replacement. In this case, performing physical therapy prior to surgery helps to maximize outcomes following the operation. People often report less pain, better range of motion, and better strength after surgery with prior completion of physical therapy. Physical therapy is also important following knee replacement surgery and focuses on restoring mobility, strength, and daily function.
Common symptoms of knee OA include:
- Intermittent or constant knee pain with gradual onset or with movement
- Stiffness in the morning or following periods of prolonged sitting/immobility
- Crepitus or cracking sound and/or sensation with knee movement
- Knee locking or giving way
- Difficulty with mobility, including walking, climbing stairs, or household activities
Knee OA can often be seen with an x-ray and is typically treated with conservative measures prior to surgery. Many people find they can avoid or delay surgery with physical therapy. Physical therapy can help to assess and treat clinical findings that are contributing to knee OA, such as weakness, tightness, and decreased mobility.
Common clinical findings include:
- Decreased knee range of motion, both bending and straightening
- Decreased mobility of the kneecap
- Decreased strength of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles
- Tenderness to touch along the knee joint
- Tightness through the hamstring or calf muscles
Physical therapy helps to restore strength and mobility to the knee. Education regarding proper exercises and activity modification is also imperative to successful outcomes. It is important to note that while the knee may be the main source of pain, treatment may include exercises targeted at the hip or ankle. These areas help to support the knee and stability through the
entire leg is critical for proper management of this condition. Following the completion of physical therapy treatment, it is essential to continue with a tailored home exercise program to maintain the benefits gained with in-person treatment.
Sometimes knee OA progresses to the point where surgical interventions offer the most effective pain relief. Most common surgeries include a partial or total knee replacement. In this case, performing physical therapy prior to surgery helps to maximize outcomes following the operation. People often report less pain, better range of motion, and better strength after surgery with prior completion of physical therapy. Physical therapy is also important following knee replacement surgery and focuses on restoring mobility, strength, and daily function.