Osteoarthritis of the knee and alternative medicines: how effective are they?
The treatments recommended by experts to relieve osteoarthritis of the knee include analgesics (painkillers) and anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, physical exercise and weight loss. In addition to these measures, alternative medicines can also be beneficial and are widely used.
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).
What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis of the knee?
Only a doctor can diagnose osteoarthritis of the knee (or gonarthrosis), based on a physical examination and X-ray. To guide their diagnosis, doctors consider conditions and behaviours that can promote the development of the condition, also known as “risk factors”. What are these? Learn to recognise them…
Osteoarthritis of the knee: what kind of sport should I do?
Do you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee and want to start, continue or resume a sporting activity... but are you worried about the limitations that your disease could impose on you?
Osteoarthritis of the knee: physical activity at the heart of its management
In osteoarthritis of the knee, regular and moderate physical activity is recommended to alleviate pain and improve mobility. Below are some tips to help you look after your knees by getting them moving.
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.
Did you know that osteoarthritis (OA), a common joint disorder affecting over 500 million people worldwide, is closely linked to obesity ? OA causes cartilage loss, chronic pain, and limited joint motion, primarily in the knees, hips, hands and spine. One of the most significant, yet preventable, factors contributing to OA is obesity and being overweight.
Osteoarthritis of the knee affects younger adults too!
Contrary to popular belief, osteoarthritis of the knee (or gonarthrosis) is not just an age-related condition: it can be associated with inflammation, genetic or lifestyle factors1 and can develop even in younger people, with 12% of people with knee OA under age 402.
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?
Making a few changes to your diet can help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee (or gonarthrosis) and slow down its progression(1). Improving the balance of your diet and favouring joint-protecting foods is easy and really helps.
If osteoarthritis of the knee causes highly incapacitating pain, restricted mobility and other treatments are no longer working, replacing the joint with a prosthetic one may be considered.
