Knee osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage and underlying bone in the knee joint gradually deteriorate over time, causing stiffness, pain, and difficulty in movement. It is the leading cause of joint pain and reduced mobility in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Who is at higher risk of knee osteoarthritis?

  • People over 50 years old
  • Postmenopausal women
  • Overweight or obese individuals
  • People who perform heavy labor, squat frequently, or climb stairs regularly
  • Those with a history of knee injury or joint deformities
  • Athletes or individuals involved in high-impact sports

Early warning signs

  • Knee pain when walking, standing for long periods, or going up and down stairs
  • Joint stiffness in the morning or after prolonged sitting
  • Crunching or clicking sounds when moving the knee
  • Mild knee swelling; thigh muscle wasting in long-standing cases
  • In later stages: pain even at rest, difficulty walking, limping

Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis

  • Clinical examination: Based on pain, joint deformity, and limited range of motion
  • Knee X-ray: To assess the degree of degeneration (joint space narrowing, bone spurs, etc.)
  • MRI: If detailed evaluation of cartilage or ligament damage is needed
  • Blood tests: To rule out rheumatoid arthritis or other conditions

Surgery: In severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered to address the root cause of the problem.

Treatment and management of knee osteoarthritis

Although damaged cartilage cannot be fully restored, timely treatment can significantly slow disease progression and relieve pain.

Non-pharmacological treatment

  • Weight loss if overweight
  • Physical therapy and gentle exercises (cycling, yoga, swimming)
  • Use of braces, knee supports, or walking aids to reduce joint load
  • Avoid poor postures such as squatting, sitting cross-legged, or excessive stair climbing

Pharmacological treatment (as prescribed by a doctor)

  • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Cartilage-supporting supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, etc.)
  • Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid

Surgical treatment (if necessary)

  • Arthroscopic joint cleaning
  • Total knee replacement in severe cases

Prevention of knee osteoarthritis

  • Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3; drink enough water and avoid fast food and high-salt foods
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Exercise regularly and correctly
  • Avoid overloading the knees: limit squatting and heavy lifting

Seek medical attention early if you experience persistent knee pain. Do not wait until the condition becomes severe before seeking treatment.

This article was medically reviewed by
MSc, MD, Specialist Level II Dinh Thi Xuan Mai – General Internal Medicine & Endocrinology Physician, Hoan My Gold PXL Medical Center.

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