Osteoarthritis is always a wear and tear condition of the joints. When the knee joints are affected by osteoarthritis, it is called gonarthrosis. In arthritic conditions, the cartilage, which normally functions as a buffer against stress, is severely damaged and can float in the joint fluid. This, in turn, leads to inflammation and significant pain.
Gonarthrosis is the most common disease of the knee joint and predominantly occurs in older age. The frequency is higher in men over 45 years old than in women. From the age of 55, the overall frequency is higher in women.
Depending on the advanced stage, very severe pain can emanate from knee osteoarthritis, sometimes even persisting at rest. The typical signs of knee osteoarthritis in Düsseldorf are:
The mobility of the knee can be so severely restricted in advanced knee osteoarthritis that it eventually leads to knee stiffening. In any case, this condition significantly reduces the quality of life.
In most cases, knee osteoarthritis in Düsseldorf arises due to external factors. These can include past sports injuries to the knee joint, but also to the ankle joint. Years of poor posture can then trigger this condition. A common cause is also prolonged stress from excessive sports or carrying heavy loads over a long period.
It is also not uncommon for the practice of a profession that puts a lot of strain on the knees, such as that of a tiler, to be responsible for gonarthrosis. Ultimately, severe overweight also plays a role in the development of the condition. In these cases, it is referred to as secondary gonarthrosis.
However, it also happens that gonarthrosis develops completely without the known causes. In very rare cases, younger people can also be affected. This circumstance has not yet been fully researched, but it is suspected that a genetic predisposition is the cause. The condition is then called primary gonarthrosis.
In any case, it is important to carry out treatment as early as possible. Your orthopedist in Düsseldorf considers this very feasible today, and the treatment outcomes are very promising.
In addition to a clinical examination to check mobility, an X-ray must be taken. This is the only way to determine how advanced the disease is and whether there is already such cartilage loss that the bones are rubbing against each other unprotected.
In the early stages, conservative methods can be attempted, including the administration of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as targeted physiotherapeutic exercises. It is important to achieve any necessary weight reduction and to protect the knee joint during this time. Orthopedic aids that provide support for the knee joint can also be made.
If the osteoarthritis is advanced or if it is already present in several areas inside the knee, surgery may be considered. Worn joint surfaces are then removed and replaced with a prosthesis. This can also be a partial prosthesis, and it is not always necessary to replace the entire knee joint with a prosthesis.
Sometimes, a minimally invasive procedure is sufficient, in which the condition of the cartilage and the possible presence of joint effusion can be determined during an arthroscopy. The effusion is removed by puncturing, reducing the pressure inside the knee joint. This results in a relieving and pain-relieving effect.
Osteoarthritis is not completely curable. In other words, the wear and tear of the joint cannot be reversed or completely stopped. Early detection and treatment can mitigate the course of the disease in most cases.
It is always very important to clarify any complaints around the knee, as this joint is the main load-bearer of the human skeleton. Do not delay an examination if you have knee complaints, as they will not disappear on their own. With our experience, we can competently help you. Schedule an appointment online or call us directly during our office hours at the respective practice phone number. We are happy to advise you on knee osteoarthritis in Düsseldorf.
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