INTRODUCTION
OA Knee which used to be called “wear and tear” arthritis usually occurs in knees that have experienced trauma, infection or injury. A smooth, slippery, rubbery material called articular cartilage protects bones from rubbing against each other like a protective cushion between bones.

Arthritis develops as the cartilage thins and become weak and as it progresses, the bones will begin to rub against each other when the joint is moved. With the worn out cartilage, the joint space between the bones narrows. The surrounding bones react by becoming thicker and grow outward and form spurs.

SYMPTOMS

Extra fluid, often known as “water in the knee”, that causes swelling

Normal activity becomes painful and difficult

Pain usually progress as the day goes, in damp weather or after long periods of inactivity, for example sitting for too long

Deformities in the affected joint like knock-knees and bow legs can be seen in  people with long standing osteo arthritis

RISK FACTORS
Heredity: There is some evidence it can be linked to heredity.
Weight: Weight increases pressure on joints such as the knee.
Age: As one ages there is increased wear and tear and also a decrease in the ability of cartilage to heal itself .
Gender: Women who are older than 50 years of age are more likely to develop OA Knee than men.
Trauma: Previous injury to the knee, including injuries during high impact sports like soccer, long-distance running and tennis.
Repetitive stress injuries: in occupations involving kneeling or squatting, prolonged standing everyday, excessive stair-climbing or lifting heavy weights regularly.
Other illnesses: Repeated episodes of gout, metabolic disorders and some congenital conditions.
Bone alignment or poor standing posture, poor general fitness and muscle weakness
TREATMENT
There is a large range of treatments available which are aimed at relieving pain, improving joint mobility and helping you live a normal life.
Goals of Osteoarthritis Treatment:

to control pain with non drug pain relief techniques and medications

to improve joint function with exercise

to maintain normal body weight

to achieve a healthy lifestyle

Following physiotherapy treatments may be required to help you to relieve the pain and swelling:

Interferrential therapy or Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): mild electric pulses to nerve endings that lie beneath the skin in the painful area.

Shortwave Diathermy : High frequency heat energy to reduce swelling and increase circulation

Laser: Low level lasers to increase deep circulation and reduce localised pain.

Radial Shockwave therapy: Used for chronic Jumper’s knee or Ilio- tibial band pain. This therapy makes use of high energy acoustic waves travelling faster than the speed of sound which initiate a healing response in the deep inflamed tissue.

Ultrasound: for localised pain/swelling

Exercises: Strengthening exercise for your thigh muscles are important to reduce the load from the knee.You can use exercises to keep strong and limber, improve cardiovascular fitness, extend your joints’ range of motion and reduce your weight. Our physiotherapists will tell you, what exercises are best for you.

STRETCHING AND RANGE OF MOTION EXERCISES:
Moderate stretching exercises will help relieve the pain and keep the muscles and tendons around the affected joint more flexible.
STRENGTHENING EXERCISES: These exercises strengthen muscles that support joints affected by arthritis. They can be performed with weights or with exercise bands.
LOW IMPACT ACTIVITIES: such as swimming, walking, water aerobics and stationery bicycling that get your heart pumping and can keep your lungs and circulatory system in shape.
Weight control: Weight control can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints, limit further injury, and increase mobility. A healthy diet and regular exercise help reduce weight.
Rest and relief from stress on joints:
Treatment plans include regularly scheduled rest. Patients must learn to recognize the body’s signals, and know when to stop or slow down. This will prevent the pain caused by overexertion.

USEFUL ADVICE

Warm-up/cool down before and after exercising

Apply ice after injuries

Pace yourself by alternating heavy or repeated tasks with easier tasks or breaks

Wearing proper shoes and using aids such as canes or walkers can also take off some of the strain

Experienced physiotherapists in Singapore, with over 18 years of experience, help you to get relief from pain/weakness quickly and easily. You can book an appointment to see our Senior Physiotherapist. We are located right in the heart of Singapore, at Orchard, and are available Mondays through Saturday.