Have you ever felt your knees making a clicking noise when climbing stairs? Knee arthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that cushions the joints begins to wear down. This problem isn't just a matter of age (osteoarthritis), but can also be triggered by autoimmune diseases (rheumatism) or residual injuries such as torn ligaments. Essentially, when this joint "lining" wears down, the bones rub together, triggering inflammation.
Knee Arthritis Symptoms to Watch Out For
Symptoms are often deceptive; pain can appear suddenly or worsen gradually. You may feel stiffness in your knee upon waking, swelling after activity, or even a feeling of wobbliness and difficulty supporting your weight. A "tight" sensation and a clicking or crepitus sound when bending are red flags that your knee joint is not healthy. If left untreated, the joint space will narrow and permanently limit your range of motion.
How to Prevent Knee Arthritis from Getting Worse
There's a myth that people with arthritis should stop moving. In fact, a sedentary lifestyle actually weakens muscles and makes joints stiffer. The key to prevention is maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knees and staying active with low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling. Additionally, consulting about joint supplements and using a knee brace can significantly reduce the daily stress on your joints.
Knee Arthritis Treatment Options
Treatment options range from physical therapy and hyaluronic acid injections to re-lubricate the joint, to modern surgical procedures. If the damage is severe, procedures such as arthroplasty/TKR (total knee replacement) can be an effective solution for permanently relieving pain and restoring your quality of life, allowing you to walk normally again.
When Should You See a Doctor for Knee Pain?
Don't let knee pain limit your mobility. Get an accurate diagnosis today through an X-ray or MRI at EMC Tangerang Hospital at an affordable price. As the leading orthopedic center in Tangerang, Banten, EMC Tangerang Hospital offers comprehensive facilities and a team of experts ready to provide the best solutions, from intensive physiotherapy to minimally invasive surgery. Restore your mobility with the right professionals.
Article written by Dr. Yudistira Prama Tirta, Sp.OT, Subsp.PL (K) (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist, Hip & Knee Consultant at EMC Hospital Tangerang).