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Knee
This is the most common location of osteoarthritis. It most often affects women after the age of 40. The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee are as follows:
Osteoarthritis pain
Osteoarthritis pain covers every level of intensity from very moderate to unbearable. It is generally located in the affected area, on the inside or outside of the knee, but sometimes it also seems to have no precise connection with the affected area, in particular, when it is located in the shallow depression located at the back of the knee-joint (known as the popliteal fossa). Osteoarthritis pain is essentially linked to activity, walking and going up and down stairs. It is accentuated by excess weight and carrying heavy loads. It generally diminishes with rest and when sitting or lying down. It is sometimes accompanied by inflammation and while at rest, may wake the patient up during the night.
Swelling or synovial effusion
The synovial membrane of the knee, irritated by the cartilage and the many inflammatory products released during osteoarthritis increases the production of the intra articular lubricant known as synovial fluid.
It is can sometimes be produced in a very large quantity and lead to severe pain due to the hyperpressure it is responsible for, in particular in the back of the knee. When there is significant synovial effusion joint aspiration may be necessary.
Malalignment
This is a combination of two processes.
One of these is the initial deformation responsible for the osteoarthritis mechanism which combines with the deformation linked to wear and tear. The latter is sometimes very significant.
This is the only reason, outside of pain, that would make surgery necessary.
This is the only reason, outside of pain, that would make surgery necessary.
Finding out more
I have bow legs. Do I risk getting osteoarthritis of the knees?
A deformation in leg alignment may constitute a factor that promotes osteoarthritis. It can be "genu varum" with a space between the knees: this is a relatively frequent morphology. The shift inwards in the centre of gravity of the knee increases internal pressure on the joint’s cartilage between the femur and the tibia and can thus lead to the onset of osteoarthritis at this level.
Conversely, "genu valgum" is a condition where the knees touch one another while there is a space between the ankles. However, saying that "genu varum" is a factor that promotes osteoarthritis of the knee does not mean with certainty that you will suffer from it. It is a combination of clinical signs (pain, stiffness, deformation) and x-rays that will enable your doctor to make a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and, especially, prescribe a preventive treatment. Surgery is not necessary if you are not in pain.
A deformation in leg alignment may constitute a factor that promotes osteoarthritis. It can be "genu varum" with a space between the knees: this is a relatively frequent morphology. The shift inwards in the centre of gravity of the knee increases internal pressure on the joint’s cartilage between the femur and the tibia and can thus lead to the onset of osteoarthritis at this level.
Conversely, "genu valgum" is a condition where the knees touch one another while there is a space between the ankles. However, saying that "genu varum" is a factor that promotes osteoarthritis of the knee does not mean with certainty that you will suffer from it. It is a combination of clinical signs (pain, stiffness, deformation) and x-rays that will enable your doctor to make a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and, especially, prescribe a preventive treatment. Surgery is not necessary if you are not in pain.
