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Degenerative Arthritis Of The Knee

Osteoarthritis Of The Knee

degenerative-arthritis: Degenerative Arthritis Of The Knee Osteoarthritis is an extremely common condition and has probably never been as common as it is in Britain today - due to the fact that life expectancy has increased by many years and we now have almost as many elderly people living in Britain as we do young people. However, osteoarthritis is not a condition affecting only the elderly. To briefly introduce the condition, osteoarthritis of the knee is regarded as a degenerative condition affecting the knee joints, caused primarily by mechanical wear and tear. Basically, if the wear and tear on your knees occurs at a greater rate than your body is able to repair and regenerate itself, the cartilage which helps cushion your knee joints will eventually wear out.

To get further insight into the important things we all need to know about osteoarthritis of the knee (whether we are young or old) I called on the wisdom of a clinical specialist who spends most of his time managing health conditions affecting the bones and joints of the lower body. Yega Kalairajah is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who looks after patients from communities in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. He qualified from Cambridge University and carried out his training in London and Australia. He has particular expertise in conditions affecting the lower limbs.

Here's a summary of our discussion:

Q. Mr Kalairajah, could you briefly outline the main causes of osteoarthritis of the knees.

A. Hello Idai. Osteoarthritis, or OA, is not a single disease but rather the end result of a variety of disorders causing the structural and functional failure of a joint where repair cannot keep phase with the breakdown of the protective cartilage that allows the joints to move smoothly.

Despite years of research the reason for the breakdown of this repair process is unknown. However there are several causes that are thought to contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. The main ones being firstly genetic - studies on twins have shown that up to 50% of osteoarthritis has been attributable to familial inheritance, but no specific genetic markers have been identified.

Obesity - individuals who are overweight have a high prevalence of knee osteoarthritis. One study showed that a reduction in weight of 11 lbs reduced the risk of osteoarthritis by 50%. My own published research on patients who need knee replacements has shown that morbidly obese patients require their knees replaced 13 years earlier than the usual average age of 72.

Jobs which involve kneeling, squatting and heavy lifting have been associated with increased osteoarthritis, possibly a 15-30% contribution - particularly in men.

Previous joint injury, deformity, muscle weakness and ligament injuries are believed to result in abnormal stresses on the joint - resulting in the increased risk of later osteoarthritis.

Females also have a slightly increased prevalence of OA. Age is certainly a significant risk factor and symptomatic OA rises steeply after the age of about 50.

Q. What measures can be taken, if any, to avoid developing this condition?

A. Obviously you cannot change your parents or your age, but you can certainly help yourself by controlling your body weight, carrying out sensible lifting practices and regular low or non impact exercises to the joints, such as freestyle swimming.

If you do get injured during sporting activities then suitable rest from that activity and full rehabilitation should occur before resuming play.

By Idai Makaya - Idai Makaya writes magazine and newspaper articles on Martial Arts Conditioning, Self Defence, Healthcare Matters, Intermittent Fasting and Human Physical Performance. For more information visit: www.ida...

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