Knee Osteoarthritis: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Knee pain is one of the most common health concerns associated with aging. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 365 million people worldwide are affected by knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition of the knee joint. In Bangladesh, nearly one in three individuals over the age of 40 experiences knee pain at some point in their lives. If left untreated, this condition can gradually make everyday activities increasingly difficult and significantly affect quality of life.

The primary cause of knee osteoarthritis is the gradual wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. Like other parts of the body, the knee joint undergoes continuous stress over the years and may eventually begin to deteriorate. The condition is generally more common and tends to develop earlier in women than in men. While hormonal changes, particularly the decline in estrogen levels after menopause are believed to contribute to this increased risk, factors such as excess body weight, prolonged heavy physical work and lack of regular exercise can also accelerate the progression of the disease.

The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis usually develop gradually but are often easy to recognize. Early on, patients may experience mild knee discomfort that progressively worsens over time. Common symptoms include persistent knee pain, swelling around the joint and difficulty with movement. Everyday activities such as climbing stairs, walking for extended periods or standing up after sitting for a long time can become increasingly challenging.

Although knee osteoarthritis cannot always be completely prevented, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help manage the condition and slow its progression. A balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining joint health. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D help support healthy bones and cartilage. Maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important, as every extra kilogram of body weight can place approximately four additional kilograms of pressure on the knee joint. Regular low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming and cycling help strengthen the muscles around the knee and can significantly reduce pain over time.

Treatment for knee osteoarthritis generally falls into two categories: non-surgical and surgical management. In the early stages of the disease, most patients respond well to non-surgical treatment options. These may include weight reduction and weight management, regular exercise, warm compresses, the use of knee supports or braces, walking with a cane to reduce pressure on the joint, physician-prescribed medications and physiotherapy.

However, when the condition becomes advanced and long-standing and pain persists despite conservative treatment, daily mobility may become severely restricted. In such cases, Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery may be recommended. TKR is a highly effective and well-established procedure in which the damaged knee cartilage is replaced with an artificial cap. Studies have shown that more than 90 percent of patients experience significant pain relief and are able to return to their normal daily activities following the procedure.

Another important aspect of treatment is consulting the right specialist at the right time. One of the leading destinations for comprehensive knee care is Evercare Hospital Dhaka. The hospital offers advanced diagnostic facilities, world-class operating theaters and comprehensive post-surgical physiotherapy services. Its dedicated team of orthopedic specialists is experienced in providing a full spectrum of care, ranging from non-surgical therapies to advanced Total Knee Replacement procedures.

Do not ignore persistent knee pain. Seek expert medical advice and appropriate treatment from experienced professionals to protect your mobility, relieve pain, and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

Author:

Maj Gen Prof. Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman Howlader

Senior Consultant

Orthopaedics Department 

Evercare Hospital Dhaka