Knee Joint Wear and Tear: Signs, Identification, and Prognosis
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Living with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) can be challenging, but strategies to manage symptoms are available. This type of arthritis affects both knees and occurs when the cartilage on the ends of bones wears down, causing bones to rub against each other.
The recent increase in the prevalence of knee OA, including bilateral knee OA, in the United States is primarily driven by rising obesity rates and population aging. Obesity, which affects about 40% of U.S. adults and is projected to increase to nearly 49% by 2030, increases biomechanical stress on knee joints and contributes to OA development.
Other relevant factors include sedentary lifestyles, excess caloric intake, and the aging U.S. population. Potential influences of socioeconomic and environmental factors contributing to obesity trends may indirectly affect OA rates.
To diagnose bilateral knee OA, a doctor may take a medical history, perform a physical examination, and order imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. Over 32.5 million adults in the United States had osteoarthritis in 2020.
Risk factors for bilateral knee OA include age, genetics, obesity, joint overuse or injury, and repetitive stress on the knee joint. Secondary knee OA has a known cause, which can be an injury, repetitive stress, or other medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or metabolic disorders.
The outlook for those with bilateral knee OA depends on the severity of the condition and the individual's response to treatment. Complications can include reduced mobility, disability, joint damage, depression, and anxiety.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) approves physical therapy, weight management, heat and cold therapy, and the use of assistive devices for managing symptoms of bilateral knee OA. To reduce the risk of developing bilateral knee OA, the Arthritis Foundation recommends regular exercise, maintaining a moderate weight, protecting the knee joint, and wearing appropriate footwear.
Simple modifications to daily activities, such as using a cane or taking frequent breaks during physical activity, can also help reduce pain and improve quality of life. A doctor may inject medications like corticosteroids or viscosupplementation into the knee joint to reduce inflammation and pain. Researchers are studying platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections as a potential treatment for knee OA.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to replace or repair the damaged joint, such as total knee replacement surgery. Knee osteoarthritis, specifically, has doubled in prevalence since the mid-20th century.
Symptoms of bilateral knee OA include pain in both knees, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of motion, clicking or cracking sounds, and weakness in the knee joint. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation in bilateral knee OA.
There is ongoing advancement in managing OA pain through treatments like extended-release intra-articular corticosteroid injections (e.g., ZILRETTA), which reflects increased clinical attention to OA prevalence and management. Research into predictive modeling for OA using machine learning is expanding, potentially improving early diagnosis and personalized treatment in the future.
- Repetitive stress injuries can contribute to the development of knee pain, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions like bilateral knee osteoarthritis.
- Science and medical research are playing a crucial role in understanding chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease and chronic-knee-diseases, potentially leading to new treatments in health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise.
- Aging, obesity, and certain genetic factors often increase the risk of developing mental-health issues, such as depression and anxiety, in people with chronic medical conditions like chronic knee pain.
- The importance of nutrition in managing chronic diseases and promoting overall health-and-wellness cannot be overstated, as poor eating habits can exacerbate obesity and contribute to the development of various chronic diseases.
- CBD is gaining attention for potential pain management in conditions like bilateral knee osteoarthritis, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects and dosage.
- Aging populations are more vulnerable to various health issues, including osteoarthritis, but adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk and improve the quality of life in the aging process.
