What is Osteoarthritis – Knee?
Osteoarthritis is often referred to as a “wear and tear” disease. It causes the smooth articular cartilage to become rougher and thinner. The underlying bone responds by thickening and growing outwards. The joint capsule also becomes thicker and inflamed.
Symptoms
Osteoarthritis affects 8.5 million people in the UK. It develops over time, causing joints to become stiff, painful and sometimes swollen. There can be pain in the front and sides of the knee. In severe cases the knee can become bowed in Valgus knee or out varus knee.
Treatments
Though the degenerative changes cannot be reversed, there are Orthoses which can help reduce the severity of the symptoms. These include:
• Shock absorbing insoles
• Functional Foot Orthotics to control excess pronation which may be increasing