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New Delhi, October 12,2024:
On the Occasion of World Arthritis Day, experts highlighted that delaying treatment of knee arthritis can lead to damage of spine. Delay in proper knee treatment, timely detection and ignoring knee arthritis symptoms can worsen the condition of knees and additionally damage the spine affecting the quality of life .
Knee arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint condition that primarily affects adults. It causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the knees, often making everyday activities difficult. However, according to experts, the repercussions of untreated or poorly managed knee arthritis extend far beyond the knee join.
Dr. L Tomar, Principal Director and Head, Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, at Max Hospital said “ In more than 70 % cases osteoarthritis is the commonest reason for Knee Arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes more progressive damage to the medial ( inner ) joint compartment cartilage leading to reduction in the gap between the two bones. This produces a waddling gait causing disproportionate pressure changes in the pelvis and Lumbar spine. Patients with advanced Knee arthritis are often seen to have spinal deformity because when patients continue to walk with a bow leg deformity it put more pressure on lumber spine leading to its damage, such cases can be corrected with minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery. “
In Osteoarthritis, multiple osteophytes form around the joint causing progressive limitation in knee movements. Patient with late stage Knee Arthritis often report with fixed deformity with very little movement.
Dr. L Tomar Highlighted importance of early action and identifying signs and symptoms of arthritis ‘Early cases of Knee Arthritis present with stiffness or mild pain while climbing stairs or sitting cross legged/ squatting/ kneeling…. As the disease progresses, it can cause pain during walking or exercises/ sports. Advanced Knee Arthritis patients find it difficult to walk more than few hundred meter, and report increasing stiffness with reduced knee movements. Knee locking episodes are also frequently reported with advanced changes”
Experts urged patients not to ignore early signs of arthritis, advising them to consult specialists for proper diagnosis and treatment. Timely action, they stressed, can prevent long-term complications and improve overall quality of life.
Dr. Tomar further said that , “ More than 60% of the patients delay their knee treatment till last stage which damage their knees to maximum extent further worsens the situation. We routinely recommend Knee Replacement Surgery if Patient has marked limitation in walking or activities of daily living and the standing x ray shows complete or near complete loss of medial ( inner ) articular space.”
With arthritis being a leading cause of disability, proactive treatment is key to preventing further deterioration of both joint and spinal health.
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