The causes of OA knee are related to labor and lifestyle, such as long-term heavy work or standing, leading to damage to the core tissues of the knee joint, causing bone-on-bone friction and narrowing of the inner knee space, resulting in an "O" shape appearance and knee pain.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
Overuse Bone-on-bone
Formation of Inner gap
Knees sink into O-shape
Is OA knee Common?
In Hong Kong, it is a very common condition among the elderly, characterized by the knees bending outward to form an "O" shape, with noticeable tenderness on the inner side. According to the Hospital Authority, it is conservatively estimated that over 300,000 people in Hong Kong have OA knee.
The causes of OA knee can be classified as congenital and acquired. Congenital causes are due to genetics, while acquired causes include lifestyle habits, weight, trauma, and age.
Occupation and Lifestyle Habits
Occupations requiring long periods of standing/stair climbing or heavy lifting
Obesity
Excess weight increases joint load and accelerates degeneration
Aging
Over the years, the secretion of joint fluid decreases. The knee joint wears down due to prolonged friction
Sports Injuries
Sports can lead to meniscus tears that continue to wear down cartilage
Stand on one foot for an X-ray(1). If the X-ray shows a depression on the inner side of the knee, as shown in the following(2) X-ray image, where the inner knee space is significantly narrower than the other side, this can be diagnosed as OA knee.
(1) How to take an effective X-ray
(2) Results of the X-ray
2) Observation
Our company observes the clinical symptoms of patients with OA knee and assesses the level of pain and its impact on daily life, categorizing them into four stages. This helps patients understand their condition and receive targeted treatment.
Stage One: Mild Pain Stage
Tenderness on the inner side after walking for 20 minutes or going up and down stairs
Stage Two: Pain Stage
Tenderness on the inner side when starting to walk from a sitting position
There are various treatment methods available, mainly divided into surgical treatment and conservative therapy. However, it is essential to understand that to address OA knee pain, the root cause of bone-on-bone friction must first be resolved. Below, we detail various treatment methods!
Surgical Treatment
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
TKR (Total Knee Replacement)
A prosthetic knee joint simulates the structure of a human knee and is implanted in place of the original joint that has collapsed. The surgical process is very complex, requiring the destruction of existing body tissues, such as the meniscus, cruciate ligaments, tibia, and femur.
Major Surgical Issue - Loosening
The average lifespan of artificial joints is only 5-10 years. The main reason is that artificial joints can never fuse with the body's bone structure. Over time and with increased activity, the prosthesis is prone to issues such as loosening or dislocation.
Recommendations
Often, surgery is not necessarily the best solution. If OA knee patients can detect their condition early and choose the right treatment method, they can avoid surgery and gradually improve their condition.
There are many types of conservative therapies, but not all are effective in addressing bone-on-bone issues. Savvy consumers should consider their options carefully.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy aims to improve and relieve various muscle and joint pain through exercise training, manual therapy, stretching, and educational guidance.
However, physical therapy alone cannot completely cure OA knee. Here are the limitations of physical therapy in treating OA knee:
Cannot correct structural deformities
Pain inhibits muscle training
Learn More: What is Physical Therapy?
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA, or Hyaluronic Acid, is a highly hydrophilic, viscous, and lubricating biopolymer found widely in our connective tissue, epithelial tissue, and nervous tissue.
It is also a major component of joint cartilage and synovial fluid. The presence of hyaluronic acid acts like a lubricant, helping joints move smoothly, cushioning impacts, and reducing cartilage wear.
Recommendations
Joint injections of hyaluronic acid can only temporarily swell and lubricate joints before being quickly absorbed, losing their lubricating capacity. They cannot permanently alleviate pain symptoms or correct deformities.
Learn More: What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Traditional Chinese Medicine or Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine methods also aim to stimulate nerves to create other sensations. These sensations can occupy the nerve pathways, preventing pain from traveling to the brain, thus creating an illusion of pain relief.
Recommendations
Acupuncture and other treatment methods in traditional Chinese medicine cannot directly change the anatomical structure of joints or reverse the process of joint degeneration.
Learn More: How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine or Acupuncture Relieve Pain?
Best Solution
K39d - Non-Weight Bearing Knee Brace
Wande Medical has developed a unique brace specifically for O-type feet. This product utilizes biomechanics and dual metal hinges to create three points of corrective force, opening the narrowed inner gap and correcting OA knee.
Benefits of the Non-Weight Bearing Knee Brace
If patients follow the guidelines, wear the product, and perform knee squats, they can reverse their condition!
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