You only
notice your knees when they stop working.
Let’s
face the facts: very few amongst us are aware of the importance of the knee
joint. It is, after all, a silent worker, quietly bearing almost the entire body
weight while helping in movement. It is safe to say that without healthy knees,
life would become difficult and unbearable.
Thus,
you need to be aware of the threats to your knee health. Knowing about them
will help you stay safe from them or at least seek early treatment. One of such
grave threats is Osteoarthritis.
What is Osteoarthritis?
It is a
common degenerative disease affecting the joints, especially the knees. This
condition leads to degradation in the joint cartilage which acts as a cushion between
the bones. In the absence of the cartilage, the bones grind
against each other, leading to chronic pain and stiffness. If left untreated,
Osteoarthritis can lead to loss of motion in the knee and even disability.
Common signs of Osteoarthritis
· Pain
in the knee, especially in the morning after waking up
· Stiffness
· Clicking
or cracking sound when the knee is used
· Mild
swelling around the knee
What causes Osteoarthritis?
The knee
is an important joint as it bears most of the body weight and is used
frequently. This puts stress on the internal structures like the bones and the
cartilage. Over time, the cartilage begins to deteriorate, thus reducing the
lubricating and protective capacity. This eventually leads to Osteoarthritis.
Are there any risk factors?
1. Age: One of the main factors behind
Osteoarthritis is age. People older than 65 years of age are mostly prone to
getting Osteoarthritis.
2. Weight: Being overweight puts additional
pressure on hips and knees which in turn increases the risk of developing
Osteoarthritis. Extra pounds of body weight can degrade the cartilage faster.
3. Injury and Overuse: Repetitive movements or joint
injuries (such as fracture or ligament tears) can lead to Osteoarthritis. Certain
occupations that require standing for long periods of time, repetitive bending
or heavy lifting can also make cartilage wear away more quickly.
What you need to do
If you
notice any of the common symptoms associated with Osteoarthritis, then you need
to visit a specialised joint care clinic without further delay and consult an
experienced doctor. You may be asked to get an X-ray report of the affected
knee. The doctor may also ask you about your general lifestyle, daily diet and
level of physical activity. Early treatment of Osteoarthritis is vital in reducing its damaging impact on the knee and speed up recovery.
By Dr.
Shabtab Khalid
Note: Through
the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo
Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of
degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific,
effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607
(Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.
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