The knee is a system made up of bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage that ensures both static posture and walking. Its mobility is based on a combination of rolling and sliding. Knee pathologies are mainly traumatic (sprain or rupture of the cruciate ligament) or degenerative (osteoarthritis).
The knee is a large joint that is important for the support and mobility of the body. It comprises three bones, the patella, femur and tibia, two joints (patellofemoral, femorotibial), ligaments and tendons (patella and quadriceps).
Traumatic pathologies
Sprains, with stretching or tearing of the ligaments, are the most common form of knee trauma (43%). Treatment includes rest, ice, bandaging, elevation of the affected limb, painkillers and the use of walking sticks. Depending on the severity of the sprain, surgery may be required. Immobilisation with a flexible or rigid orthosis lasts from 1 to 3 weeks. Re-education can speed up recovery.
Dislocation is a sprain in which the joint surfaces move, causing the ligaments to tear. The dislocation must be reduced (the joint must be put back into place) and then immobilised. A patella fracture is a bone break that requires immobilisation and sometimes surgery.
Inflammation
These mainly affect sportspeople. Patellar tendonitis affects handball, volleyball and basketball players. It manifests itself as pain below the kneecap during exercise. Patellofemoral syndrome or patellar syndrome tends to affect runners. The pain occurs at the front of the knee behind the patella, when sitting for a long time or going downhill. Treatment consists of rest, anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers. Resumption of activity should be carried out with the aid of an orthosis. In patellar syndrome, strengthening of the quadriceps may be necessary.
Gonarthrosis, or osteoarthritis of the knee
Gonarthrosis is premature wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee joint, often associated with local inflammation and bone growths (osteophytes). It is the most common form of osteoarthritis of the lower limbs, particularly in overweight and sedentary people, but also in sportspeople. It causes pain on movement and stiffness that interferes with activities. Hygienic dietary measures, painkillers, the use of orthoses or walking sticks and physiotherapy are all part of the solution to relieve pain and restore mobility to the joint.
Société française de rhumatologie website: l'arthrose
Société française de rhumatologie: le livre blanc de la rhumatogie française 2015
Fautrel B et al. Impact of osteoarthritis: results of a nationwide survey of 10,000 patients consulting for OA. Joint Bone Spine 72 (2005) 235-240.
Zhang Y, Jordan JM. Epidemiology of Osteoarthritis. Clin Geriatr Med. 2010; 26:355-69.
Our knees play an essential role when it comes to supporting our bodies and keeping us mobile. These joints support our weight and movements in all our routine activities. Hence a degenerative cartilage disease like osteoarthritis of the knee (also known as OA or gonarthrosis) can quickly become incapacitating in our everyday lives.
Managing daily life with osteoarthritis of the knee
It can be difficult to live with osteoarthritis of the knee - also known as gonarthrosis - but it is possible to preserve your quality of life by making a few everyday adjustments. Below is some practical advice to help you carry out routine tasks, such as housework, cooking, DIY or gardening.
The effective treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee (or gonarthrosis) requires multidisciplinary management. Among the various healthcare professionals involved, the physiotherapist may play a particularly important role. But when is their input required? And what is there exact role?
