The knees are among the most used and stressed joints in the human body, as they bear the weight of the body and assist in movement, walking, running, and jumping. Therefore, the knees are prone to some diseases and problems that affect their health and function. Among the most prominent of these problems are knee osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, which cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knees. So, what are knee osteoarthritis and osteoporosis? What are their causes and how are they related? And how can they be treated? In this article, we will try to answer these questions in a simplified and clear manner.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the cartilage of the joint, which is the thin layer covering the ends of the bones in the joint and helps reduce friction between them. Knee osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to wear away due to aging, inflammation, injury, increased weight, or weakness in the thigh muscles. As a result, pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knees increase.
Knee osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis, which is a chronic disorder that affects joints. Knee osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (Osteoarthritis), is the most common type of arthritis, particularly in older adults.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone density, which is the material that makes up the body’s skeleton. Osteoporosis causes a decrease in bone density due to a lack of calcium and vitamin D or a disruption in the balance between bone formation (anabolism) and breakdown (catabolism) of bone cells. As a result, the bones become more fragile and prone to fractures.
Osteoporosis is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, especially women after menopause. Osteoporosis is one of the main risk factors for bone fractures, particularly in areas such as the hip, thigh, spine, and wrist.
The Relationship Between Knee Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis
Some may wonder if there is a relationship between knee osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, and whether one affects the other. In fact, some studies suggest that there is a relationship between knee osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, but this relationship is not simple or direct. On one hand, knee osteoarthritis may increase the risk of osteoporosis in the area surrounding the knee, because cartilage wear leads to increased load on the femur’s end, which accelerates the loss of its density. Additionally, knee osteoarthritis may reduce joint movement and the ability to walk or exercise, leading to weakness in the thigh and leg muscles, which negatively impacts bone density.
On the other hand, osteoporosis may affect knee osteoarthritis in different ways. Osteoporosis may increase the risk of fractures in the spine, pelvis, or hip bones, which can lead to imbalance or improper load distribution on the joints, increasing cartilage wear. Furthermore, osteoporosis can lower levels of hormones like testosterone or estrogen, which play a role in joint cartilage health.
Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis
There is no doubt that knee osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are conditions that require medical attention and monitoring, as they can negatively affect the quality of life and mobility of the affected person. Therefore, it is important to know the available treatment options for these conditions, which aim to alleviate pain, swelling, and inflammation in the knees, slow the progression of cartilage wear, increase bone density, and prevent fractures. Treatment options include:
Home Treatment: Some lifestyle changes can help improve knee and bone health, such as:
- Reducing excess weight, as it puts more pressure on the joints.
- Regular physical exercise, which helps strengthen the thigh and leg muscles that support the knee, improve joint flexibility, and increase bone density.
- Following a balanced diet containing adequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D, proteins, fibers, fruits, and vegetables.
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol, as they negatively affect bone health.
Medical Treatment: In cases where home treatment does not work, or if the symptoms are severe or troublesome, medical treatment may be necessary. This includes using different types of medications, such as:
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, whether oral, injectable, or topical, to help relieve pain and inflammation in the joint.
- Supplements containing calcium, vitamin D, hormones, or other substances to help increase bone density or prevent cartilage wear.
- Hyaluronic acid injections in the joint, which improve joint lubrication.
Surgical Treatment: In rare cases, when home and medical treatments fail to relieve knee pain or if there is a threat to the patient’s life or body function, surgical treatment may be necessary. Surgical options include:
- Removing part of the joint cartilage or femur or tibia to relieve pressure on the joint.
- Joint replacement surgery with a prosthetic joint to improve knee movement and function.
