overview

More than 20 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritisosteoarthritisArthritis characterized by erosion of articular cartilage, either primary or secondary to trauma or other cond... (OA), which is the number one cause of disability in the United States. Today, patients with knee osteoarthritisosteoarthritisArthritis characterized by erosion of articular cartilage, more common in older people. can hope to regain their active lifestyle and continue many of their favorite activities.

Knee osteoarthritisosteoarthritisArthritis typically with onset during middle or old age that is characterized by degenerative (gradual deterio... is a chronic disease. That means it will never get better and is likely to get worse over time. The knee painpainAn unpleasant sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, and mediated by specific nerve fibe... and immobility are caused by wear and tear between the joints.

OA strikes three times as many women as men and most often occurs in people over 50. However, younger people who have been injured in sports or accidents can start having symptoms of knee pain in their 20s and 30s.

With OA, everyday activities may be painful or even impossible. Daily activities such as walking, driving, lifting, standing, bending, climbing stairs and exercising may cause extreme pain. It may even hurt to lay down, rest or sleep. Symptoms include aching, pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammationinflammationA local response to injury due to a physical reaction (such as abrasion), or to chemical or biological agents,... of affected joints. Symptoms of knee pain are often more prominent after a person has been active, but people may also feel pain and stiffness after resting (most commonly in the morning).

In addition to physical symptoms of knee pain, osteoarthritis takes an emotional toll. A National Council on the Aging survey sheds light on the way OA hampers peoples‘ lives:

• OA sufferers reported gaining an average of 42 pounds since their diagnosis. This is partly due to patients‘ inability to exercise as much as they would like to—a feeling expressed by 75% of OA sufferers.
• Loss of sleep, which can take a serious toll on relationships, productivity and public safety, is another side effect of OA. Thirty seven percent of sufferers report losing two or more hours or sleep per night due to pain.

OA is a progressive disease. While early treatment of osteoarthritis can slow things down, affected knee joints continue to get worse. Patients may experience flare-ups as well as periods when they feel no symptoms of knee pain at all.