Are you experiencing knee pain or stiffness? These may be early signs of knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that gradually worsens over time. As someone who’s affected by this condition, it’s important to understand the different stages of knee osteoarthritis to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Stage 1 – Mild: At this stage, the knee joint may be slightly damaged, but it’s still functioning properly. You may experience mild pain or discomfort when engaging in activities that involve knee movement, such as climbing stairs or walking. You may also notice some stiffness or a decrease in flexibility around the knee joint.
At this stage, conservative treatments like chiropractic care and physiotherapy, exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee, and lifestyle changes may be effective in managing your symptoms. It’s also important to monitor your symptoms closely and work with your healthcare provider to prevent further damage.
Stage 2 – Moderate: At this stage, the joint cartilage may have worn down significantly, causing greater stiffness and pain in the knee joint. You may feel pain when you’re standing or walking for extended periods, and you may have difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee. You may also experience swelling and a clicking or popping noise coming from the joint.
At this stage, conservative treatments may still be effective in managing the symptoms. However, you may need to modify your activities to avoid putting stress on the joint. Your healthcare provider may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections to help relieve the pain and inflammation.
Stage 3 – Severe: At this stage, the joint cartilage has worn down completely, and bone is rubbing against bone within the joint. This causes intense pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee. You may feel pain even when you’re not moving your knee, which can significantly limit your mobility.
At this stage, conservative treatments may not be sufficient in managing the pain and stiffness, and you may need to consider more invasive treatments such as knee replacement surgery. Your healthcare provider may also recommend joint injections or prescription medications to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Knowing the different stages of knee osteoarthritis allows you to understand the progression of the condition and what to expect. It also helps you to take proactive steps to manage your symptoms and prevent further damage. So if you’re experiencing knee pain or discomfort, seek the guidance of a physiotherapist or chiropractic doctor. Together, you can develop a personalized plan that meets your needs and helps you live a full, active life.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
