A fourth of the Indian population aged above 50 years, suffer from osteoarthritis : Dr Balavardhan Reddy

Hyderabad, 1^st
December 2019:
Knee pain is a common problem of the old age, most commonly due to Osteoarthritis,
where the joint wears out with age. So as we all age, eventually our knees wear
out and develop osteoarthritis. Fortunately there are ways which help us to
delay these changes and postpone knee problems.

Why we should protect our knees?

Knee is the strongest and one of the
most important joint in our body. Movements at the knee joint are essential to
many everyday activities, including walking, running, sitting and standing. Once
our knees develop osteoarthritis, it hinders our day to day activities,
inactivity sets into life, people lose their independence and this will further
worsens the physical and mental status of a person.

How big is the problem of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause
of disability in elderly. The prevalence is around 25% among Indians aged above
50 years, more in women than men. 70% of those above 65 years show features on
Osteoarthritis on x-ray.

What happens to our knees as we age?

The ends of bones forming the joint are
protected by a thin layer of cartilage which provides smooth surface and makes
the movements possible. Our knees absorb a huge amount of pressure with every
step. That pressure causes regular wear and tear of the articular cartilage
that protects the ends of long bones. With age, muscles and ligaments get
weaker, the knee’s two shock absorbers called menisci deteriorate. These age
related changes further worsens the wear of articular cartilage. When the
cartilage is gone, the bones rub against each other, and we end up with pain.

What worsens these changes?

– Over weight: more pressure on the
knees causing them to deteriorate early

– Osteoporosis: Sedentary life style,
menopause

– Injuries: Injuries cause direct
damage to the cartilage, ligaments, muscles, that eventually lead to early
osteoarthritis

– Co-morbidities: Diabetes mellitus,
Gout, Rheumatoid arthritis

– Repetitive misuse

The DOs to protect our knees?

– Strengthen your muscles: By
increasing the strength, muscles help you to stabilize your knee joint and
offer good protection. Muscles also absorb the stress placed on the knee.
Strengthen your quadriceps, hamstrings.

– Reduce weight: As said earlier, the
more the joints are loaded, the more they deteriorate. So reduction of weight
decreases pressure on the joints and relieves pain. Everyone should maintain
the BMI (body mass index) between 18.5 to 24.9.

– Maintain Knee function: The range of
motion should be maintained, this preventing stiffness, deformities.

– Wear well cushioned shoes that help
to reduce the impact on your knees

– Early Treatment of Bone, ligament or
muscle injuries,

– Good glycemic control

– Early consultation and treatment for
rheumatologic diseases

What are the DON’Ts to protect our knees?

– Don’t squat, Don’t sit cross legged:
Squatting or deep bending of knees for long periods causes damage to the
cartilage in the knee

– Don’t involve in high impact
activities: Avoid jogging on hard surface, Avoid activities that involve
jumping, Avoid walking on uneven surfaces.

– Don’t be Sedentary: Have an active
life style, develop a hobby, exercise regulary

– Don’t misuse your knees: Listen to
your body, pain is an indicator of injury, stop! When you experience pain, give
ample rest, apply cold compressions. Avoid climbing and getting downstairs
which causes repetitive loading on knees.

Dr
Balavardhan Reddy

Senior Consultant Orthopedic specialist

in Arthroplasty,  Arthroscopy, Trauma and Spine

Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills.

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(Press Note issued by Public Gardens Walkers Association)