Keep this hardworking joint in good condition.
We depend heavily on our legs to do many of the things that we take for granted, like sitting down and getting up. In fact, every time you walk down the stairs, your knee takes about five times your weight. Just like any tool, the more you use your knees, the more worn out they get – increasing the need for effective treatments for osteoarthritis to address degenerative bone diseases
Look for signs
Having trouble sitting down or getting up from the toilet seat, entering and exiting a low car, and walking up and down the stairs are all signs of osteoarthritis, along with the progressive shortening of your joints. Dr Douglas Yuen, aesthetic physician at Nexus Clinic, explains: “The early signs and symptoms are mild tenderness at the particular joint area, which comes with a little bit of rigidness and swelling.” Dr Jasmine Ruth, aesthetic physician and clinical director of Nexus Clinic, adds that there is also usually pain upon exertion and while performing a certain movement, as well as reduced flexibility. “Go see a doctor and treat it early! The moment it passes level two or three, you’re looking at a lifetime of pain management or total knee replacement surgery,” Dr Jasmine stresses.
Know the causes
Whether you are highly active or lead a more sedentary lifestyle, your knees endure significant pressure, increasing the need for treatments for osteoarthritis. Dr. Douglas explains that osteoarthritis commonly peaks in patients aged 60 and older but can develop as early as 35. He notes, “It may result from vigorous workouts causing wear and tear or from a sedentary lifestyle leading to obesity.” Moderation in activity is crucial.”
Adding to the concern, women face higher risks. Dr. Douglas highlights, “Even if a woman isn’t obese, she remains prone to osteoarthritis due to the decline in estrogen after menopause, which reduces the hormone’s ability to transport calcium to the bones.”
Women rely on this hormone to bring calcium to the bones,” Dr Jasmine elaborates.
What to do
If you experience any of these symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend an X-ray. Dr. Jasmine explains that her approach to assessing knee diseases or injuries includes a pre-assessment, reviewing the patient’s medical history, and conducting a clinical knee examination.
“If the X-ray confirms osteoarthritis, treatment can begin almost immediately,” she says. “If the X-ray is inconclusive, we’ll proceed with an ultrasound or MRI to evaluate the severity of the injury. However, if rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, we’ll refer the patient to a rheumatologist for specialized care.”
Get it treated
“Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is used to reverse your knee condition – taking your blood and concentrating it, then injecting it into a localised area to lower the growth factors and repair your knee. We also do stem cell treatments and use a particular product, which is biocompatible with the synovial fluids in your knee capsule. The viscosity and content is identical to your own synovial fluid – which acts as lubrication when you walk – enabling us to replace the fluid.
Dr. Jasmine explains, “We also provide nutritional support tailored to the patient’s needs and teach specific exercises they can perform at home to help prevent osteoarthritis.”
If you’re exploring alternative treatments, focus on addressing the root cause first before pursuing supplementary options.
“A majority of the public would like to go to a Chinese traditional medicine practitioner, obtain traditional medicine, or attend cupping or acupuncture sessions. I believe that it helps in a certain way, but it doesn’t reverse the disease or stop its progression,” she stresses.
Prevention and precautions
Dr. Douglas highlights that bad knees can result in an inactive lifestyle, which may lead to chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Jasmine adds, “It’s not just physical; it often impacts mental health, leading to depression.”
To maintain healthy knees, include nutrients like glucosamine, calcium, and Vitamin D in your diet. Vitamin D is vital as it helps calcium reach your bones effectively.
If you have a sedentary lifestyle, make regular exercise a priority to strengthen your knees. Gym-goers should start their workouts with a 5- to 10-minute stretch to warm up muscles. Always maintain proper posture during exercise to prevent injuries. For high-intensity workouts, invest in supportive shoes and knee guards.
