Introduction:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease commonly associated with the “wearing and tearing” of joints, as we age. While OA can affect any joint, the knees are often susceptible especially in individuals with a prior history of ACL reconstruction or meniscus tears. In this blog post, we'll delve into understanding the symptoms, causes, and most importantly, effective ways to prevent and manage OA and its associated pain.

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Understanding Knee OA:

Typical symptoms of knee OA include aching, soreness, stiffness, decreased range of motion, decreased muscle strength, and occasional clicking or popping. In severe cases, joint instability with buckling may occur. Symptoms are often more pronounced in the morning and gradually improve with movement.

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Contributing Factors to Knee OA Knee Pain:

Several factors contribute to OA at the knees, including age, previous injury or surgery, obesity, overuse, and muscle weakness. Recognizing these factors is crucial in developing an effective management plan.

Preventing and Managing Knee OA:

1. Movement is Key:

• Physical therapy is a cornerstone of conservative care for OA. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes, helps support the joint to prevent excess forces and subsequent degeneration.
• Exercises that can help build up the muscles surrounding the knee include squats, step-ups, lunges, bridges, wall sits, leg extension, leg curl, and leg press machine workouts.

2. Mobility Training:

• Improving and maintaining joint mobility is essential for decreasing joint stiffness associated with OA.
• Incorporate stretches and mobility exercises such as quadriceps and hamstring stretches, child's pose, and heel slides to prevent loss of mobility and flexibility.

3. Light Aerobic Activity:

• Cardiovascular endurance is crucial for improving stamina, muscle endurance, and assisting in weight loss if obesity is a contributing factor.
• Non-weight-bearing exercises like cycling are often well-tolerated, while weight-bearing activities like walking can be beneficial if tolerated. Always consult with your MD before initiating a cardiovascular exercise program.

4. Medical Interventions:

• In cases where pain limits movement, your doctor may recommend injections to assist with inflammation and pain management.
• For severe cases, total joint replacement surgery is a common treatment. Physical therapy before surgery can significantly improve outcomes by enhancing range of motion and strength, leading to a faster and smoother recovery after surgery.

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Conclusion:

Effectively managing knee OA knee requires a multi-faceted approach, combining physical therapy, strength training, mobility exercises, and, if necessary, medical interventions. Recognizing contributing factors and addressing them proactively can significantly improve your quality of life and get you back to doing what you love!

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How Maven Can Help:

At Maven, our team of Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) specialize in working with individuals dealing with knee OA. Our comprehensive approach involves assessing your range of motion and strength and developing a personalized program tailored to your unique goals. Whether you're aiming to manage pain, improve mobility, prevent surgery, or prepare for surgery, our experienced team is here to support you.