What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis may affect the small joints such as fingers and toes, and is one of the most common problems that a doctor sees every day in his/her clinic. Some may experience stiffness, pain, and notice deformities on the fingers and toes. The impact is even more severe in the weight bearing joints particularly the knees and hips.
Many above fifty years of age do complain of knee pain. The symptoms of pain may be mild and only on extreme activities but it can also be so severe that pain is experienced even at rest. The pain may affect your quality of life in which many activities of daily living such as standing and walking, even climbing stairs, kneeling, squatting, sitting are also affected.
Some do not realize that they are suffering from underlying primary osteoarthritis which is commonly seen in individuals in their forties. Primary osteoarthritis affects finger joints, knees, and hips. The affected joints become warm, swollen, stiff, tender with limited range of movement. Subsequently, the cartilage lining of the joints become damaged, and joints become rough and stiff. This is more obvious in the weight bearing joints such as knees and hips.
Daily activities which increase loading of the knees include squatting, kneeling, sitting on low stool, lotus sitting, climbing stairs and slope. Sport activities with repeated pounding on the knees will also damage the cartilage lining. This is in fact worse if there is already a pre-existing primary osteoarthritis. It is important to modify activities to minimize further loading on the knees. Advancing age and obesity are the other main factors that increase loading on the knee joints.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:
- Pain or ache
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Reduced range of movements
Knees can be deformed with roughness on moving the joints. Individuals having these symptoms are very likely to be suffering from knee osteoarthritis. An X-ray can be done to confirm the diagnosis as well as to assess the severity of the knee osteoarthritis.
Your doctor may prescribe a course of medication to reduce the inflammation and damage on your knees. If necessary, your doctor may suggest injection of steroids or hyaluronic acid to reduce the pain and discomfort that you have.
In severe knee osteoarthritis where your quality of life is deteriorating, or in the case where there is not much improvement of your signs and symptoms with all non-surgical treatments, total knee joint replacement surgery may be needed. In total knee joint replacement surgery, your damaged knee joint will be removed and replaced with a set of implants consisting of metal and plastic components. The success rate of total knee joint replacement surgery is very high. Most importantly, the limitation which you had in your daily activities before your surgery will be much improved.
*Terms & Conditions:
1. This CSR programme is valid from 17th April 2023 to 31st July 2023
2. This CSR programme includes Free Knee X-Ray (Bilateral, 3 views) and report. Free first consultation with Orthopaedic Surgeons requires referral letter from Medical Officer.
3. This CSR programme excludes registration fee, X-ray CD, follow-up consultation and other additional tests/ medications/ procedures
4. This CSR programme is valid for self-pay patient only
5. Customers are required to make prior appointment for this CSR programme
6. Beacon Hospital reserves the right to change the terms & conditions anytime without prior notice
