World Arthritis Day on October 12th serves as a reminder of the increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis, particularly affecting the knee joints. Osteoarthritis of the knee is becoming a significant health concern, not only for the elderly but also for the younger population. With over 27 crore people in India suffering from knee pain and osteoarthritis, it’s crucial to understand why this issue is escalating and how we can prevent and manage it effectively.
The Rising Incidence of Osteoarthritis in India and Globally
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder worldwide, and knee osteoarthritis specifically is on the rise in India. A combination of lifestyle factors, aging, and environmental changes has led to an alarming increase in the incidence of this degenerative joint disease. Globally, osteoarthritis affects 10-15% of adults over 60, and these numbers are only expected to grow as life expectancy increases.
In India, the situation is even more concerning, as more young people are being diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Poor musculoskeletal strength, ignorance about functional alignment, and lack of proper physical activity contribute to this growing health crisis.
Why Are Young People in India at Risk?
Several factors are contributing to the growing number of young people being diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in India:
- Poor Musculoskeletal Strength: A lack of proper physical conditioning leads to weaker bones and muscles, making the knee joints more vulnerable to wear and tear.
- Ignorance of Functional Alignment: Incorrect posture and movement patterns, both at rest and during physical activities, strain the knees.
- Lack of Structured Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle is a leading cause of weakened muscles around the knee, increasing the risk of joint damage. Without regular, structured physical activities that promote joint health, young people are becoming more prone to knee issues.
The Impact on Women
Women are disproportionately affected by knee osteoarthritis, particularly in their 40s and 50s. The primary reason for this is weight gain during these years without a corresponding increase in bone and muscle strength. Excess weight places additional stress on the knee joints, accelerating the onset of osteoarthritis.
Dr. Pradeep Kocheeppan, Director and Senior Orthopedic Surgeon at Move and Shine Orthopedic Wellness Clinic emphasizes the importance of early detection, stating, “Ignoring early signs of knee pain is a missed opportunity to manage osteoarthritis effectively. Early intervention and treatment can significantly slow the progression of the disease.”
Knee Conservation and Preservation: A Crucial Strategy
Knee conservation and preservation should be prioritized as a means to combat the increasing incidence of knee osteoarthritis. With proper care, many of the debilitating effects of osteoarthritis can be delayed or even avoided.
Dr. Pradeep, highlights the importance of movement analysis in knee conservation. “Analyzing how you move helps identify dysfunctional patterns that place undue stress on your knees. Correcting these early can prevent disease progression and keep the joints healthy for longer.”
At Move and Shine Orthopedic Wellness Clinic, state-of-the-art facilities offer comprehensive movement analysis, helping patients understand how their daily activities impact their joints.
Why Knee Replacement Is Not Always the Answer
Though knee replacement is often necessary, it is not a feasible long-term solution for younger populations due to the possibility of future revision surgeries, which can impact quality of life. Furthermore, Knee Replacement surgery doesn’t always address the root cause of the problem—weak musculoskeletal support, poor functional alignment, and lack of physical conditioning.
The real solution lies in awareness and prevention. Structured screening programs and early intervention are key to preserving knee health.
Dr. Viresh Murgodi, Orthopedic Consultant at Move and Shine, notes, “We need to educate people to recognize knee pain as an early warning sign, not something to be ignored. Early diagnosis is the best way to manage osteoarthritis effectively.”
Osteoarthritis of the Knee and Quality of Life
Osteoarthritis doesn’t just affect the joints; it can significantly diminish quality of life. Chronic knee pain can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of a range of other health problems, including asthma, diabetes, infertility, and even cancer.
Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle is crucial to preventing these comorbidities.
Sangeetha Narayanaswami, Chief Dietician at Move and Shine, explains, “Maintaining optimal weight through proper diet and exercise can significantly reduce the strain on your knee joints. This is one of the most important steps in preventing osteoarthritis of the knee.”
When Should You Consider Visiting a Doctor?
Early detection of knee osteoarthritis can make a huge difference in the management of the condition. But how do you know when to see a doctor about knee pain? Here are some signs that should not be ignored:
Persistent Pain: If you experience consistent knee pain that lasts for more than a few days, particularly if it worsens with activity or at night, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional.
Stiffness or Swelling: Inflammation or swelling around the knee joint, especially after physical activity, could be an indication of osteoarthritis.
Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty in fully straightening or bending your knee, or if your knee “locks” at times, are symptoms that warrant medical attention.
Audible Clicking or Popping: Sounds like clicking or cracking in the knee joint, especially if accompanied by pain, are signs that something may be wrong with the joint.
Instability or Weakness: If your knee feels like it’s going to give out or if you’re experiencing muscle weakness in the surrounding area, it’s essential to have it evaluated.
Dr. Viresh stresses, “The sooner you seek medical help, the better your chances of managing osteoarthritis and preventing more severe damage to the joint.”
Managing Early-Stage Osteoarthritis: Do’s and Don’ts
If you are diagnosed with early-stage knee osteoarthritis, there are several strategies you can adopt to slow disease progression and manage symptoms.
Do’s:
Regular Low-Impact Exercise: Engage in activities like swimming, cycling, or walking, which strengthen the muscles around the knee without putting too much strain on the joint.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on your knees. Even a small reduction in weight can make a big difference.
Strengthening Exercises: Focus on strengthening the muscles around your knees, particularly your quadriceps and hamstrings. These muscles support the joint and reduce the load on it.
Use Supportive Footwear: Proper shoes with good cushioning can help absorb shock and take pressure off your knees.
Regular Check-Ups: Consult your doctor regularly to monitor the progression of osteoarthritis and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.
Don’ts:
Avoid High-Impact Activities: Running, jumping, or any high-impact sports can worsen the wear and tear on your knee joints.
Don’t Ignore Pain: Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Ignoring it can lead to further damage.
Avoid Sedentary Lifestyles: While resting is essential, too much inactivity can weaken the muscles around the knee, making osteoarthritis symptoms worse.
Don’t Skip Therapy: Physical therapy, including strengthening and stretching exercises, can improve joint function. Skipping it may worsen the condition.
When to Consider Knee replacement?
Total knee replacement is the last choice where all other modalities fails; such as physical therapy, medication, arthroscopic repair /surgery, knee alignment correction , cartilage restoration procedures, meniscal repairs, ligament reconstruction, etc. Knee Replacement is generally considered a last resort for treating knee osteoarthritis, particularly in younger populations..
Dr. Pradeep explains, “Knee Replacement Surgery should be reserved for cases where pain and mobility issues significantly impair a person’s quality of life, and all other treatments have been exhausted. For younger patients, the concern with knee replacement surgery is the potential need for revision surgeries down the line.”
The decision to undergo Knee Replacement must be made carefully, with a full understanding of the risks, benefits, and the long-term implications for the patient.
Move and Shine: Leading the Way in Knee Joint Care
Move and Shine Orthopedic Wellness Clinic has established itself as a leader in the field of knee health. The clinic offers excellent infrastructure, including top-notch physiotherapy support for rehabilitation. Whether you’re an athlete or someone recovering from a knee injury, the clinic’s specialized programs are designed to help patients not only recover but also protect their knee joints for the future.
Dr. Pradeep emphasizes, “Our focus on rehabilitation for young athletes and sportspeople has allowed many to not just bounce back, but come back stronger. With the right care and attention, knee preservation is entirely possible, even for those who have experienced joint issues.”
Conclusion: Awareness and Prevention Are Key
On this World Arthritis Day, let’s remember that osteoarthritis is a growing concern that affects millions of people, both young and old. The best way to combat it is through awareness, early detection, and a commitment to knee preservation.
At Move and Shine Orthopedic Wellness Clinic, we are dedicated to helping patients understand the importance of knee health. With the right approach, including movement analysis, maintaining a healthy weight, and early intervention, we can all take steps toward healthier, pain-free lives.