KOA

KOA campground Petersburg Michigan

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the knee joint. It is a degenerative, "wear-and-tear" type of arthritis that occurs most often in people 50 years of age and older, but may occur in younger people, too. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away, leading to pain, swelling, and problems moving the joint. As the condition progresses, the cartilage wears down, and the bones of the joint rub more closely against one another, potentially leading to joint damage and more pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms of KOA include:

• Pain that increases when you are active, but gets a bit better with rest
• Swelling
• Feeling of warmth in the joint
• Stiffness in the knee, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time
• Decrease in mobility of the knee, making it difficult to get in and out of chairs or cars, use the stairs, or walk
• Creaking, crackly sound that is heard when the knee moves

Causes

The main cause of KOA is the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. Factors that can increase the risk of KOA include:

• Age: The risk of developing KOA increases with age.
• Sex: Women are more likely than men to develop KOA, especially after age 50.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the knee joints, which can lead to KOA.
• Injuries: Injuries to the knee, such as those that occur during sports or accidents, can increase the risk of KOA.
• Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition to developing KOA.
• Bone deformities: Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage, which can increase the risk of KOA.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of KOA involves a physical examination and possibly imaging tests. During the physical exam, a doctor will check the knee for swelling, pain, flexibility, and signs of joint damage. Imaging tests may include:

• X-ray: Can show bone spurs around a joint or a narrowing within the joint space, indicative of cartilage loss.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Although not commonly required, an MRI can provide detailed images of both hard and soft tissues within the knee.

Treatment

While there is no cure for KOA, treatments are available that can help relieve symptoms and improve joint function. Treatment options include:

• Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Physical therapy: Exercises can help improve flexibility and balance, and strengthen the muscles around the knee.
• Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections can provide pain relief and improve joint function.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options such as arthroscopy, osteotomy, or knee replacement may be considered.

Prevention

Preventive measures for KOA include maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, avoiding injury, and managing chronic conditions that could contribute to joint damage.