Don't be complacent when your knee joint "speaks up".

Naturally, the knee joint will degenerate over time. Osteoarthritis of the knee (OA) is considered a disease of the elderly, usually starting to appear around age 40 (approximately 20% of the population). However, in recent years, this condition has shown a clear trend of affecting younger people. Overweight, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, incorrect posture while working, injuries, fractures, etc., are considered factors that accelerate the degenerative process.

Doctors and medical staff at Thong Nhat General Hospital examine a patient being treated for osteoarthritis of the knee at the hospital. Photo: Thong Nhat General Hospital.

If left undetected and untreated, THKG can cause complications and seriously affect the patient's quality of life.

No longer just a "disease of old age"

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), musculoskeletal disorders are currently one of the leading causes of reduced mobility and decreased quality of life in adults. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases in this group.

Dr. Nguyen Tuong Quang, Director of Thong Nhat General Hospital, said: “Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease, a condition of knee joint dystrophy, characterized by the deterioration of the structure and function of articular cartilage, accompanied by damage to the subchondral bone and surrounding tissues. The synthesis and regeneration of articular cartilage decrease, causing the cartilage to wear down, thin, or disappear completely, leading to direct friction between the bone surfaces. This process causes pain, inflammation, joint stiffness, and limited mobility, significantly affecting the daily lives of patients.”

Patients should visit a specialized medical facility for examination and diagnosis when experiencing persistent joint pain and stiffness. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate with painkillers or dietary supplements, as this carries the risk of serious side effects with prolonged use and improper use.

According to Dr. Nguyen Tuong Quang, the causes of osteoarthritis are divided into primary and secondary. Primary causes are usually related to age and endogenous factors.

“Statistics show that about 20% of people over 40 and 80% of people over 75 suffer from endometriosis to varying degrees. Furthermore, women generally have a higher risk of endometriosis than men, due to hormonal factors, especially in premenopausal and menopausal women. The decline in estrogen levels contributes to the degenerative process. In addition, genetic factors are also noted as a significant risk. People with family members who have endometriosis often have a higher risk of developing the disease,” explained Dr. Nguyen Tuong Quang.

Secondary causes of osteoarthritis include: knee injuries, overweight, obesity, lack of exercise, strenuous labor, etc. These secondary causes are also the main factors contributing to the trend of osteoarthritis affecting younger people. In particular, being overweight, obese, and inactive are considered the leading culprits.

According to Doctor Nguyen Tuong Quang: “Increased body weight puts significantly more pressure on the knee joint when standing, walking, or climbing stairs. In addition, a lack of exercise weakens the muscles around the joint, making the knee less flexible and more prone to degeneration. Conversely, heavy labor, overexertion, and knee injuries are also factors that can accelerate the onset of the disease.”

Multiple treatment methods

Professionally, THKG is divided into 4 stages.

Stage 1: Cartilage damage is mild, symptoms are not yet clear, and patients only feel a dull, transient pain, so they often overlook this symptom and do not seek timely medical attention.

Stage 2: The pain becomes more pronounced, with patients often experiencing knee pain in the evening or after strenuous activity.

Stage 3: Patients experience increased pain when walking, and the knee joint feels stiff in the morning. At this stage, patients may develop bursitis, causing knee swelling.

Stage 4: The articular cartilage is severely damaged, the patient experiences constant pain, and inflammation persists. At this stage, medical treatment is less effective, and many cases require surgical intervention.

"If left untreated, the disease can lead to joint stiffness, joint deformities, and even loss of mobility," said Dr. Nguyen Tuong Quang.

There are many treatment methods for osteoarthritis (OA), and the choice of treatment depends on the patient's condition. In the early stages, doctors prioritize non-drug measures, including: weight loss for overweight or obese individuals, as reducing body weight helps alleviate pressure on the knees, which not only helps reduce discomfort but also slows down the degenerative process; rehabilitation exercises to increase muscle strength around the joint and improve joint fluid secretion; physical therapy, massage, cold and hot compresses to soothe knee pain caused by osteoarthritis; massage to relax muscles and soothe pain, while stimulating blood flow to the knee joint area; acupuncture, a traditional medicine method, to clear meridians and improve blood circulation, thereby supporting OA treatment; lifestyle adjustments, avoiding prolonged sitting and incorrect posture; a balanced diet, limiting alcohol and stimulants…

"When the above measures are ineffective, doctors will consider drug treatment, depending on the severity of the disease. In addition, local interventions such as intra-articular injections, synovial fluid injections, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be considered," said Dr. Nguyen Tuong Quang.

When the above treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention is the last resort. Accordingly, depending on the patient's condition, the doctor may prescribe procedures such as: knee arthroscopy, osteotomy for realignment, or knee replacement surgery.

Sea Swallow

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202601/khong-chu-quan-khi-khop-goi-len-tieng-a52295f/