Knee Osteoarthritis

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Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that afflicts many adults.^1,2 Studies of the prevalence of symptomatic knee OA have found:³

• 4.9% of adults aged ≥ 26 years old may be affected
• 9.2% of adults aged ≥ 45 years old may be affected
• 12.1% of adults aged ≥ 60 years old may be affected

Knee OA may limit an individual’s ability to perform routine physical activities.^2,3,4 The symptoms of knee OA may include: ^5,6

• Persistent knee pain
• Limited morning stiffness (typically <30 minutes)
• Reduced function

Signs of knee osteoarthritis may include: ⁵

• Enlarged bones of the knee
• Restricted movement
• Grating sound or sensation in the knee

What Can I Do to Possibly Prevent This?

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Risk factors an individual may have control over include obesity and prior knee trauma.⁷ Two-thirds of obese adults have a lifetime risk of acquiring knee OA.⁸ Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high-risk activities such as extreme sports may help prevent this condition.

Are There Ways to Manage This Other Than With Medication?

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The American College of Rheumatology recommends exercise and physical therapy as nonpharmacological therapies for patients with OA. Nonpharmacological therapy is considered the cornerstone of OA management and includes:^9,10

 

• Physical therapy (manual therapy with supervised exercise)
• An individualized exercise program (aerobic and resistance exercise)
• Weight loss (if overweight)
• Patient education
• Self-management programs (e.g., Arthritis Foundation Self-Management Program)
• Assistive devices such as a walker or cane for ambulation, as needed
• Appropriate footwear (including appropriate insoles)
• Patella taping
• Heat

Exercise and Physical Therapy

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Consultation with a physical therapist to guide an individual with an exercise program is recommended.¹ A course of formal physical therapy consisting of exercise and manual therapy may be beneficial for a person with knee OA.^11,12 Those who attend formal physical therapy treatment tend to take less medication at one year than those performing only a home exercise program.¹¹

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Disclaimer: The views discussed on this website are for educational purposes only. Should you have any questions please consult your physician or physical therapist. Copyright© Kinesis Physical Therapy. All Rights Reserved.

References

1. Altman RD. Early management of osteoarthritis. Am J Manag Care 2010; 16 Suppl Management:S41-S47.
2. Felson DT. The epidemiology of knee osteoarthritis: results from the Framingham osteoarthritis study. Arthritis and Rheumatism 1990;20:42-50.
3. Lawrence RC, Felson DT, Helmick CG, Arnold LM, Choi H, Deyo RA, Gabriel S, Hirsch R, Hochberg MC, Hunder GG, Jordan JM, Katz JN, Kremers HM, Wolfe F; National Arthritis Data Workgroup. Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States. Part II. Arthritis Rheum 2008; 58:26-35.
4. Felson DT, Naimark A, Anderson J, Kazis L, Castelli W, Meenan RF. The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in the elderly. The Framingham osteoarthritis study. Arthritis and Rheumatism 1987;30:914-8.
5. Zhang W, Doherty M, Peat G, et al. EULAR evidence based recommendations for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2009 Sep 17.
6. Altman R, Asch E, Bloch D, et al. Development of criteria for the classification and reporting of osteoarthritis. Classification of osteoarthritis of the knee. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Criteria Committee of the American Rheumatism Association. Arthritis Rheum. 1986;29(8):1039-1049.
7. Blagojevic M, Jinks C, Jeffery A, Jordan KP. Risk factors for onset of osteoarthritis of the knee in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2009 Sep 2.
8. Murphy L, Schwartz TA, Helmick CG, Renner JB, Tudor G,Koch G, et al. Lifetime risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2008;59:1207–13.
9. American College of Rheumatology Subcommittee on Osteoarthritis Guidelines. Recommendations for the medical management of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee: 2000 update. Arthritis Rheum. 2000;43(9):1905-1915.
10. Hochberg, Marc C., et al. “American College of Rheumatology 2012 recommendations for the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies in osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee.”Arthritis care & research  64.4 (2012): 465-474.
11. Deyle GD, Henderson NE, Matekel RL, Ryder MG, Garber MB, Allison SC. Effectiveness of manual physical therapy and exercise in osteoarthritis of the knee. A randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 2000: 132: 173–181.
12. Deyle GD, Allison SC, Matekel RL, et al. Physical therapy treatment effectiveness for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized comparison of supervised clinical exercise and manual therapy procedures versus a home exercise program. Phys Ther. 2005;85:1301–1317.
13. O’Reilly SC, Muir KR, Doherty M. Effectiveness of home exercise on pain and disability from osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis 1999: 58: 15–19.