First question: What is osteoarthritis of the knee all about? First A: Osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis of the knee occurs and develops as a process of gradual wear and tear of the joint cartilage, resulting in direct impingement between bone and bone. This occurs when the knee joint gap narrows. The joint space of the knee is not only made up of cartilage, but also the joint fluid within the knee joint. Articular cartilage is softer than bone. The synovial fluid of the knee joint is a thick fluid. The joint fluid helps lubricate the joint and helps cushion the knee joint from jarring. As we get older, our knee joints are not as lubricated as they were when we were younger, gradually leading to narrowing of the joint space. Second Q: What are the main signs of osteoarthritis of the knee in patients? A: The main manifestation of osteoarthritis of the knee is pain in the knee joint when walking, going up and down stairs, or standing up. Some people with osteoarthritis of the knee say they can hear a ringing sound inside the knee joint, and more serious patients with osteoarthritis of the knee also have difficulty flexing and straightening the knee joint. If you are an athlete, especially one who runs and jumps a lot, such as a basketball player, you may develop osteoarthritis of the knee even in your 20s. Third Q: How can you tell if you have osteoarthritis of the knee? Third A: The first thing we usually look for are signs of osteoarthritis in the knee joint, such as friction sounds. This sound may be heard when grinding the knee joint. This sound may be felt when moving the knee joint. Then there is the swelling or feeling of swelling in the knee joint in some patients. The swelling is caused by the accumulation of inflammatory joint fluid inside the knee joint. Knee x-rays can reveal a narrowing of the knee joint space, which can reveal bone growth, and abnormal bone overgrowth. This is all related to wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee joint and a decrease in joint lubrication. Q4: Why should I look at the position of your feet? Fourth A: Because evaluating the foot can help determine the cause of knee pain. Flat feet and excessive inversion of the foot can cause excessive stress on the knee joint and produce knee pain. Abnormal force lines in the foot and ankle can often lead to knee pain. The use of foot and calf braces can reduce the loading stress on the knee joint and can help relieve knee pain in this group of patients. Q5: What are some common treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee? A: The main methods are drugs, physical exercise, intra-articular injections, arthroscopic surgery, total knee replacement surgery, and intervertebral foraminoscopic surgery. Sixth question: What are the commonly used drugs? Sixth A: Most patients take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac sodium extended-release tablets (Fotaralin), celecoxib (Celebrex) and other similar drugs. Some creams or ointments can also be applied directly to the knee area Q7: How can I do physical exercise? Seventh A: Rehabilitation exercises play an important role in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee can use ice, heat therapy, and knee extension and flexion activity exercises. Quadriceps straight leg raise exercises and bicycle pedaling exercises are meaningful approaches. Acupuncture and massage can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Swimming and hydrotherapy are important for increasing knee mobility and reducing knee pain. Eighth question: What if medication and physical exercise do not work well? A: If medication and physical exercise are not effective, intra-articular steroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections can be performed. Hyaluronic acid injections are a more natural treatment. Hyaluronic acid is a basic component of knee cartilage. Hyaluronic acid increases the lubrication of the knee joint and reduces knee pain. Generally, intra-articular injections are given once a week for 5 weeks. Its effect usually lasts for 6 to 12 months. Q9: Can arthroscopy be used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee? A: If there is a free body in the knee joint, the free body can be removed by a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach. Arthroscopy has been shown to be very effective in resolving many patellofemoral syndromes with anterior knee pain.