WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Osteoarthritis is caused by the deterioration of the articular cartilage in the knee. For osteoarthritis, you need a knee brace that provides stability and is easy to wear on a daily basis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS?
The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis develop are mild at first but can get worse over time. Some characteristics are these:
Start-up pain. You have pain when you start to move.
Stiffness and reduced mobility in the knee joint.
You may have pain in your knee when you move. In later stages, the joint may hurt even at rest.
Swelling around your knee is common.
WHAT CAUSES OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEES?
The knee joint is where the femur and tibia meet.
The surfaces of the bones that lie against each other are covered with cartilage, a smooth surface that allows the joint to glide well. In osteoarthritis of the knee joint, changes in the cartilage cause the cartilage to thin out and bumps and pits may appear. This change in the cartilage, in turn, leads to the bone surfaces coming into contact with each other, which can cause pain.
RISK FACTORS FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
The cause of knee osteoarthritis is not fully understood but there are some clear risk factors:
Previous knee injuries
Being overweight
Weakness in the leg muscles
Heredity
HOW IS KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS TREATED?
There is currently no treatment that will remove your osteoarthritis without surgery and replacement of the knee joint. Initially, the treatment focuses on relieving and correcting any misalignment with a knee brace to prevent osteoarthritis. These measures can go a long way in reducing much of the pain.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Exercise and movement can have a pain-relieving effect, which is positive for the joint. When you move, the joint is lubricated with synovial fluid. Cycling, outdoors or indoors (on an exercise bike), can be good exercise for osteoarthritis. It activates the large muscles and provides an effective cardio workout. Cycling, like water aerobics and swimming, is more gentle on the joints.
STRENGTH TRAINING
Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint is essential. Strength training specifically works to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint and other joints in the body. Stronger muscles can reduce pain and improve joint function. Strength training can be done at home or at the gym, with or without weights and machines. You decide what works best for you!
KNEE SUPPORT
Wearing a knee brace for osteoarthritis during physical activity is one of the fastest ways to get pain relief. A properly fitted knee brace will help with the pain and reduce swelling.
SHOCK-ABSORBING SHOES
It may sound a bit strange that shoes would make a difference in knee osteoarthritis, but the fact is that a shoe with a lot of shock absorption and the right stability can put a lot less strain on your knee. The pain will decrease at the same time. Get in touch with us if you want help finding the right one.
WEIGHT REDUCTION
If you are overweight, you should try to lose weight. This reduces the load on the knee joint.
SHOULDER INSERTS
A good shoe insert can help a lot.
WHAT AGGRAVATES OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Some examples of products that can aggravate the disease are: all processed foods, grains and sugar, and dairy products. You may also want to reduce your intake of products with high levels of omega 6, such as margarine and sunflower oil.
CAN YOU RUN WHEN YOU HAVE OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Running, football and tennis are not always the optimal forms of exercise for people with severe osteoarthritis. However, it may be that a person with mild osteoarthritis symptoms who is used to running, for example, can adapt their running pace and continue it without major problems. The use of a knee brace for osteoarthritis can also relieve pain during physical activity.
Up to 21% off
