Wednesday, February 22, 2017

The Danger Of Osteoarthritis To Knee Health

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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