What Is Knee Osteoarthritis & How Can Aevum Health Help?

Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that affects the knee joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is common in both males and females in the Sutherland Shire and is a form of arthritis that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the knee wears away. This can cause the bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee joint.

The knee joint is made up of three bones: the thighbone (femur), the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). The ends of these bones are covered with a smooth, protective layer of cartilage. The cartilage helps to cushion the bones and allows them to move smoothly against each other.

In individuals with knee osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the knee joint begins to wear away. This can happen gradually over time, or it can occur because of an injury or other trauma to the knee. As the cartilage wears away, the bones in the knee joint begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis can include pain, stiffness, swelling, and a crunching or grinding sensation in the knee joint. The pain and stiffness may be worse after periods of inactivity, such as sitting for a long time, and it may improve with movement and activity. In some cases, individuals with knee osteoarthritis may also experience a feeling of instability or weakness in the knee.

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. These include age, obesity, previous knee injuries, and certain occupations or activities that place a lot of stress on the knee joint.

Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans. The doctor will look for signs of cartilage loss and bone damage in the knee joint.

Can Physiotherapy Assist Knee Arthritis?

Treatment for knee osteoarthritis may include medications, but research strongly supports physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis. In individuals with knee osteoarthritis, physiotherapy can help to reduce pain, improve the range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the knee, which can help to enhance the overall recovery process.

Our team can assist if you’re after physiotherapy Sutherland Shire, physio Kirrawee, Illawong physio, Engadine physiotherapy or Cronulla physiotherapy. Aevum Health physio Helensburgh also provides services to that area and beyond.

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of physiotherapy in treating knee osteoarthritis. For example, a systematic review published in the Rheumatology journal found that physiotherapy can improve pain, function, and quality of life in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The review looked at several different physiotherapy interventions, including exercise, manual therapy, and education, and found that all of these interventions effectively improved outcomes for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. 

Another study published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that a combination of physiotherapy and education effectively reduced pain and improved function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The study compared a group of individuals who received physiotherapy and education with those who received only education. It found that the group who received physiotherapy had significantly better outcomes in terms of pain and function.

Based on the above, it's safe to say that research supports physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis. 

Physiotherapy can help to reduce pain, improve the range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the knee, which can help to enhance the overall recovery process for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. If you want to know more, contact our team to discuss.