Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Here at the clinic, we treat many people with knee OA each year as the most common lower limb problem we encounter. As the cartilage in the knee gradually wears away, the bones may begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Whether you’re an active individual or someone who simply wants to enjoy daily activities without pain, understanding knee osteoarthritis and how to manage it can be life-changing.
Common Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
If you're experiencing knee osteoarthritis, you might notice a range of symptoms, including:
Pain: This is often the most prominent symptom, typically worsening with activity and improving with rest. The pain might be sharp or a dull ache, localised to the knee joint. You may suffer from flare-ups that settle and then recur.
Stiffness: Many people feel stiffness, particularly in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The knee may feel hard to move or bend.
Swelling: Inflammation in the knee joint during a flare-up can lead to swelling, making the knee appear larger than usual.
Reduced Range of Motion: As the arthrtitis progresses, the knee may become harder to move, making activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair difficult.
Creaking or Grinding Sensation: You might hear or feel a grinding sensation in the knee, known as crepitus, especially during movement.
Deformity: In advanced cases, the knee may begin to look misshapen due to the wear and tear on the joint.
Self-Management and Self-Care Tips
Managing knee osteoarthritis often involves a combination of lifestyle changes and home remedies. Here are some tips to help you live more comfortably with this condition:
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on your knees. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce knee pain and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Stay Active: Regular, low-impact exercise like swimming, cycling, or walking can help keep your joints flexible and strengthen the muscles around your knee, providing better support for the joint. It is important to manage the knee 'load' carefully; too much or too little can be a problem.
Use Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying a heating pad can relax and loosen your muscles, while cold packs can reduce inflammation and numb the painful area.
Wear Supportive Footwear: Proper shoes with good arch support may help align your knees and reduce pain.
Try Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication.
Use Assistive Devices: A cane or knee brace can provide extra support and reduce stress on your knee joint, making it easier to move around.
When to Seek Physiotherapy Treatment
While self-care can go a long way in managing knee osteoarthritis, there are times when professional help is necessary. You should consider physiotherapy if:
Your pain is severe and affecting your daily activities.
You notice a significant reduction in your knee’s range of motion.
The knee feels unstable or is giving way.
You're unsure how to exercise safely without worsening your symptoms.
Physiotherapy can offer targeted treatment to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life.
Physiotherapy Techniques for Knee Osteoarthritis
At Physiotherapy with LorraineCarroll and SimonCoghlan, we treat knee osteoarthritis with a range of effective techniques. Here's what we offer:
Advice and Education: Understanding your condition is the first step to managing it. We provide education on pain management, posture, mobility, load managment and lifestyle changes to help you take control of your osteoarthritis.
Therapeutic Exercises: We tailor exercises to your specific needs, focusing on pain management, improving mobility, enhancing movement control, and strengthening the muscles around the knee. These exercises help to maintain function and prevent further deterioration.
Manual Therapy: Our hands-on techniques, such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage, aim to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and complement your therapeutic exercises.
Medical Acupuncture and Dry Needling: These techniques target specific pain points, helping to reduce muscle tension and deactivate trigger points, which can alleviate pain and improve knee function.
Electrotherapy: We use low-level laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound to relieve pain and promote healing in the knee joint. These treatments are particularly effective for reducing inflammation and enhancing tissue repair.
Encouragement and Support Every Step of the Way
At Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll and Simon Coghlan, we believe that managing knee osteoarthritis is a journey, not just a treatment plan. Together, we’ll confront the challenges of knee osteoarthritis, empowering you to reclaim your life.
If you’re struggling with knee osteoarthritis, don’t wait to seek help. Book an appointment today, and let us guide you towards better knee health and a more active lifestyle.
You can reach us at www.lcscphysiotherapy.com.au, or call us at 0735328605. We’re located at Suite 2, 24-26 Gloucester Road, Buderim, 4556. For your convenience, online bookings are available here.
Your journey to pain-free living starts with a single step—let us help you take it!
By Lorraine
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