Degenerative arthritis
What is degenerative arthritis?
Degenerative arthritis, also called osteoarthritis, is a joint disease so common that an estimated 10-15% of the population has it. As the joint ages, the cartilage wears away or is damaged, causing inflammation in the knee joint and damage to the bone. If early symptoms are left untreated, severe pain and difficulty moving develop, and the joint may even become deformed.
Causes
Degenerative arthritis used to occur mostly in people over 50 as a result of aging. Recently, however, it has been increasing in younger people as well, because of joint damage from obesity and excessive leisure sports and of weakened bone density from dieting.
Symptoms
Knee pain is felt most when going up and down stairs. It is usually worse in the afternoon than in the morning, and as it progresses the knee may swell, fluid may build up, and the pain may last all day.
| Arthritis diagnosis | Joint condition |
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Early stage Mild cartilage damage |
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Self-diagnosis
Knee pain is felt most when going up and down stairs. It is usually worse in the afternoon than in the morning, and as it progresses the knee may swell, fluid may build up, and the pain may last all day.
- 1
- The knee swells after walking for a long time.
- 2
- The knee aches for 2~3 days after a long walk.
- 3
- Fine after resting, but the knee hurts again with activity.
- 4
- The knee hurts going up and down stairs, and the pain is worse going down.
- 5
- The knee hurts when standing up from sitting.
- 6
- The knee makes noise and hurts when moved.
- 7
- The inner knees do not touch when the feet are together.
- 8
- The knee gives way and you collapse.
| 0 – 1 items | 2 – 3 items |
|---|---|
| Joint age: 20s Your joints are in good condition. |
Joint age: 40s We recommend a joint check-up. |
| 4 – 5 items | 6 items or more |
| Joint age: 50s Degenerative arthritis is suspected. |
Joint age: 60s Active treatment is needed. |
Treatment
Analgesics for simple pain relief and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that calm inflammation and remove pain may also be used. These medications relieve inflammation in the joint, ease pain and stiffness, and help patients maintain a comfortable, normal life.
Along with drug therapy, physiotherapy is essential. It strengthens the muscles around the joint, relieving symptoms and also preventing the osteoarthritis from worsening. Heat therapy, electrotherapy, cold therapy and exercise therapy reduce pain and restore function.