স্বাস্থ্য টিপ

There are many causes of knee pain. Osteoarthritis is most common. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the natural cushioning between joints-cartilage wears away. When this happens, the bones of the joints rub more closely against one another with less of the shock-absorbing benefits of cartilage. The rubbing results in pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased ability to move and, sometimes, the formation of bone spurs.

While age is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis of the knee, young people can get it too. For some individuals, it may be hereditary. For others, osteoarthritis of the knee can result from injury or infection or even from being overweight.

The chance of developing osteoarthritis goes up after age 45. Women are more likely to have osteoarthritis than men. Almost everyone will eventually develop some degree of osteoarthritis.
However, several factors increase the risk of developing significant arthritis at an earlier age. Weight increases pressure on all the joints, especially the knees. Every pound of weight you gain adds 3 to 4 pounds of extra weight on your knees.

Genetic mutations that might make a person more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee. It may also be due to inherited abnormalities in the shape of the bones that surround the knee joint.
People with certain occupations that include a lot of activity that can stress the joint, such as kneeling, squatting or lifting heavy weights (55 pounds or more), are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee because of the constant pressure on the joint. People with rheumatoid arthritis, the second most common type of arthritis, are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis. People with certain metabolic disorders, such as iron overload or excess growth hormone, also run a higher risk of osteoarthritis.
Prevention is better than cure here. Patient should loose the overweight first, if the cause is excess weight. Strengthen of quadriceps muscle can increase the shock-absorbing ability of knee. Manual traction of knee can facilitate to increase the space between two condyles (round prominence at the end of a bone).

Ultrasound therapy can remove pain substance and stimulate regeneration of affected cartilage by increasing nutrition supply. Strong painkiller can subside acute pain. NSAIDs can help to reduce pain for short time. Glucosamine supplements are also helpful for regeneration of cartilages.

Source - The Daily Star