May is Arthritis Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to highlight osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type of arthritis in the United States. Weight-bearing joints like your spine, hips, and knees are most vulnerable to OA.
Award-winning orthopedic surgeon and sports trauma specialist Dr. Sumit Dewanjee at FXRX in Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona, is known as one of the best knee surgeons in Arizona. His treatments include cartilage regeneration, knee arthroscopy, partial and total knee replacement, and arthritis treatment, all designed to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Check this information from Dr. Dewanjee and his team regarding knee osteoarthritis and how to reduce your risks.
Knee osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a chronic condition characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint.
Cartilage is the tough, flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones, providing cushioning and facilitating smooth movement within the joint. OA causes the cartilage to deteriorate, eventually resulting in stiffness, swelling, and pain.
Knee osteoarthritis is often related to wear-and-tear associated with aging but may also be linked to injuries or overuse from work activities, hobbies, or sports that require frequent squatting or kneeling.
The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis can vary in severity and tend to worsen over time as the disease progresses. For instance, morning stiffness is an early sign of OA that usually decreases as you get up and move around.
But as the cartilage continues to deteriorate, the stiffness becomes persistent and is typically accompanied by:
About 32 million adults in the United States have osteoarthritis, which can affect any joint but occurs most frequently in the knees.
While you can’t always prevent osteoarthritis since it’s partly due to age and genetics, you can take steps to reduce the risk of moderate to severe disease and potentially prevent the condition by:
Aim for a balanced diet and regular exercise to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, as excess body weight can strain the knee joints.
For cardiovascular and circulatory health, engage in low-impact, knee-friendly exercises, such as swimming, cycling, or walking. Include strengthening and flexibility exercises in your routine to strengthen the muscles around your knee joint and improve joint stability.
Take precautions to prevent knee injuries during sports or physical activities by using proper protective gear such as knee pads and practicing safe techniques.
Pay attention to your posture during daily activities and avoid positions that place unnecessary stress on your knees, such as prolonged kneeling or squatting.
Choose shoes with adequate cushioning and support to minimize the impact on your knees and promote proper alignment.
Follow a joint-healthy diet with lean proteins, fish, grains, fresh fruits, and anti-inflammatory favorites like leafy greens, cauliflower, and yogurt.
Pay attention to any signs of knee discomfort or stiffness, and schedule an evaluation at FXRX. Early diagnosis and treatment may allow you to stall the progression of OA before it affects mobility.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Dewanjee at FXRX today by calling us or requesting an appointment online.
