| Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, affects | | | | pathological examinations of joints on either side of |
| the elderly in parts of the body where it hurts the | | | | knee including hip joints, checking on posture, and |
| most. A person suffering from knee osteoarthritis will | | | | gait. Once knee Osteoarthritis is confirmed, a |
| most likely equate it with cardiovascular disease | | | | treatment is suggested depending on nature and |
| because the breakdown of articular cartilage of knee | | | | extent of damage and on the personal physical |
| joints restricts movement and the patient has to | | | | history of patient. Women over 60 years of age are |
| follow a set regimen affecting his lifestyle. | | | | high risk factors for knee osteoarthritis as they |
| Knee Osteoarthritis is due to injury, congenital | | | | spend major portion of their lives doing physically |
| disorder, or obesity. The deterioration of articular | | | | demanding work that has direct relationship with |
| cartilage, a smooth and fibrous connective tissue that | | | | knee Osteoarthritis. Wearing high heeled shoes also |
| acts as a protective cushion, narrows the joint space | | | | aggravates the pain. In youngsters, knee |
| between bones. In time, the cartilage becomes | | | | osteoarthritis is hereditary or due to some injury. |
| grooved and fragmented and surrounding bones | | | | Precautions such as weight reduction, changing work |
| thicken or sprout into spurs. Sometimes, there is | | | | routine, postures, diet, avoiding injuries, participating in |
| additional swelling in the knees caused when | | | | physiotherapy, and exercise are advised. Other |
| synovium, a membrane producing a thick fluid to | | | | methods of relief such as acupuncture, ointments, |
| nourish the cartilage, becomes inflamed and produces | | | | prescription drugs, magnetic pulse therapy, vitamin |
| additional fluid known as 'water of the knee'. Changes | | | | regimes, and topical pain relievers are temporary. |
| occur due to constant rubbing of joint bones leading | | | | Using prescription drugs and surgery should be a |
| to deformity of joints that is equally painful. | | | | mutual decision between patient and doctor. |
| Knee osteoarthritis is diagnosed through physical and | | | | |