Are you experiencing discomfort, swelling or rigidity in your knee? Does it become worse when you are moving, however get better with rest? Finally, does it make it difficult for you to carry out typical activities like walking, taking the stairways and getting up from a chair?
If your answer to any one of these inquiries is “yes”, you might have osteoarthritis of the knee. But exactly what is it, and exactly how can it be dealt with? In this write-up, we will explore the signs of knee osteoarthritis and its different stages.
Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee
Osteoarthritis of the knee typically produces several signs. Several of the more usual ones consist of:
– Pain and discomfort
– Swelling at the knee area
– A sensation of heat at the knee joint
– Rigidity
– Reduced mobility
If you experience any of these symptoms then you may be suffering from knee osteoarthritis. We recommend seeking immediate professional diagnosis and treatment. This is because knee osteoarthritis can worsen across 4 stages.
Stages of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Osteoarthritis of the knee usually develops in four unique phases, each more serious than the last. Based on the stage you are in, you might experience a range of signs and symptoms extending from trivial pain to warped bones. The number of treatment alternatives readily available likewise decreases after each phase.
Minor
During the first stage, called the minor phase, damage to the cartilage is generally really slight, and you are not likely to experience pain or discomfort. The room in between the bones will look normal and not like it has been tightened. In some cases, osteophytes (small lumps of bone) may grow in the knee region.
Mild
In the mild stage, many individuals will start to observe and experience symptoms, and the damage of the cartilage material comes to be noticeable. The development of osteophytes will speed up, and tissue in the knee will solidify, making the bone much more dense and thick. However, patients in the mild stage will not yet experience their bones rubbing against each other.
Moderate
After the damages to the cartilage material aggravates, X-rays carried out in this stage will reveal both cartilage loss and the space between the bones tightening. The bones respond to this cartilage loss by thickening and forming lumps. You might experience early indications of joint inflammation such as pain and pain throughout daily activities such as kneeling and walking. Lastly, patients will additionally develop synovitis, or “water on the knee”.
Extreme
This is the last and most severe phase of osteoarthritis of the knee. An X-ray will reveal the bones beginning to scuff against each other, and patients will experience considerable discomfort and pain when moving. Extra bone lumps will likewise develop. At this stage, typically the only option left is surgical intervention.