Knee problems can appear at different ages. Understand the signs and learn about options that help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Why do our knees wear out?
Knee wear, also called arthrosis or osteoarthritis, is a degenerative disease in which the cartilage, which is the structure that covers the bones, wears out over time. The main causes are aging, in which cartilage loses its ability to regenerate, and family genetic predisposition. People with a genetic predisposition to early wear and tear and who make excessive use of the knee, with repetitive exercises and impacts, are more at risk. Furthermore, people who are overweight or who have suffered previous injuries to the meniscus or ligaments are also more prone to the appearance of wear.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of wear are pain, swelling and deformity, which increase over time and can lead to difficulty walking and bending the knee. Wear and tear affects people at different ages and to different degrees.
Treatment options
There is still no cure for wear and tear, but there is effective treatment to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve knee function. Depending on the degree of wear and the patient’s age, there are several treatments that can be instituted. In milder cases, muscle strengthening and stretching exercises, associated with weight loss and, possibly, painkillers, may be sufficient. In moderate cases, the use of infiltrations with hyaluronic acid, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or fat-derived cells can help combat the inflammatory process, improve pain and delay wear. In more advanced cases, blocking the nerves around the knee can help relieve pain for a few months, or surgery with the placement of a prosthesis can be performed, improving quality of life for years.
Present. Dr. The Zeker
CRM: 60577 RQE: 46065
Orthopedist, Sports Doctor and specialist in knee surgery at Escola Paulista de Medicina – Unifesp
PhD at FCM of Santa Casa de São Paulo
Member of the companies SBOT, SBCJ, ISAKOS, ICRS
