Knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis)

Knee osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition of the knee joint. It causes progressive wear of the joint's cartilage, which is essential to ensuring fluid, pain-free movement in the knee.

Epidemiology and risk factors : knee osteoarthritis is more common in women, although anyone can be susceptible, and its frequency increases noticeably with age. The risk of developing the condition can be increased by a number of factors. In addition to genetic predispositions, previous trauma to the knee can be a triggering or aggravating factor in the disease.

Characteristic symptoms : knee osteoarthritis mainly shows up as a set of specific symptoms : 

• Pain : persistent or recurring pain, often made worse by physical activity.
• Loss of mobility : restriction in the knee's range of movement.
• Stiffness : the knee feeling stiffed after a period of inactivity, such as upon woking.
• Swelling : visible, palpable inflammation of the knee, which may also feel warm to the touch. 

Diagnosis : the diagnosis is mainly given through careful clinical examination, during which the doctor assesses the knee’s mobility, strength, and presence of any inflammatory markers. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition, X-rays or MRI are often required.

Therapeutic approaches : treatment for knee osteoarthritis is divided into two main categories : 

• Conservative treatments : aiming to preserve the joint, relieve pain and improve mobility. These treatments may include physiotherapy, taking painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing an orthopaedic support. Infiltrations may also sometimes be part of these treatments.
• Surgical treatment : this is considered when the knee osteoarthritis is at an advanced stage or when conservative treatments are ineffective. The type of surgical procedure depends on the joint's condition and the specific needs of the patient.