Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint diseases, especially with age, and the knee is the most affected joint. It is a leading cause of joint pain and reduced mobility in Jordan, but early treatment and the right lifestyle make a big difference. The ClinicsJo Editorial Team offers this practical guide.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Cartilage is the smooth tissue covering the ends of bones inside a joint, allowing smooth, friction-free movement. In OA this cartilage gradually wears away, so bone rubs on bone, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It commonly affects the knee, hip, hands, and spine.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Aging and natural cartilage wear.
- Obesity: increases load on the knee and hip.
- Previous injuries and joint fractures.
- Repetitive strain in some jobs and sports.
- Genetics and joint deformities.
- Weakness of the muscles around the joint.
Symptoms
- Joint pain that worsens with movement and eases with rest.
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after long sitting.
- Cracking or grinding when moving the joint.
- Mild swelling at times.
- Limited movement and difficulty climbing stairs or rising.
How Is It Diagnosed?
- Clinical exam of the joint and its range.
- X-ray: shows cartilage wear and narrowing of the joint space.
- MRI in selected cases.
Treatment
- Weight loss: one of the most important steps to reduce knee load.
- Physiotherapy: exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve flexibility.
- Medication: painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and topical creams.
- Injections: steroid or hyaluronic acid into the joint in selected cases.
- Surgery: joint replacement in severe advanced cases.
Medical tip: avoid complete rest thinking it protects the joint; moderate movement and muscle strengthening are the best protection, while inactivity weakens muscles and increases pain.
Prevention and Lifestyle
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Do joint-friendly exercise such as swimming, walking, and cycling.
- Strengthen thigh muscles to support the knee.
- Avoid prolonged joint-straining postures.
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
When to See a Doctor
See an orthopedist for persistent or increasing joint pain, morning stiffness, or limited movement affecting daily life. Early diagnosis allows a plan that preserves the joint and delays surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do supplements treat osteoarthritis?
Some supplements may ease symptoms in certain patients, but evidence is limited and they are not a substitute for core treatment.
Does walking harm an arthritic knee?
On the contrary, moderate walking helps and strengthens muscles, unless there is acute inflammation requiring temporary rest.
To assess your joint and plan treatment, book with an orthopedist or a physiotherapist on ClinicsJo.