Osteoarthritis of the knee

What is osteoarthritis of the knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a chronic, non-inflammatory joint disease in which the protective cartilage between the femur, tibia and kneecap gradually breaks down.

In a healthy knee, this cartilage ensures smooth movement and acts as a shock absorber. However, if it becomes thinner or rough, the bones rub directly against each other during movement – leading to pain, stiffness and limited mobility.

Osteoarthritis of the knee can develop gradually and affect different areas of the knee joint. It is one of the most common forms of osteoarthritis, especially in older people or in people who put a lot of strain on their knees through work, sport or obesity.

What symptoms are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee can cause a variety of symptoms that develop gradually and increase as the disease progresses. The symptoms often occur as a result of stress and can persist over time, even at rest. Typical symptoms are

• Knee pain
  Initially, the knee usually only hurts when weight is placed on it – for example when walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods. As osteoarthritis progresses, the pain also occurs at rest or at night.
• Initial pain
  After periods of rest, e.g. in the morning or after sitting for a long time, the first attempt at movement is particularly difficult. The knee feels stiff, but the pain often subsides after a few steps.
• Restricted movement
  The mobility of the knee decreases. Bending or full extension in particular can become increasingly difficult.
• Joint stiffness
  The knee joint feels stiff, especially after rest or cold. This often occurs in the morning or during longer periods of sitting.
• Swelling and overheating
  In the event of irritation or accompanying inflammation, the knee may swell, become overheated and feel firm.
• Crunching or rubbing in the joint
  When moving, many sufferers experience an unpleasant sensation in the knee caused by the uneven cartilage surfaces. This is often accompanied by a cracking, crunching sound.
• Feeling of instability
  Some people report that their knee feels “unsteady” or “wobbly” and that they do not have a firm grip – especially when walking on uneven surfaces.
• Misalignments
  In the later stages, visible changes such as bow legs or knock-knees can occur, which also increase pain and strain.

What types of osteoarthritis of the knee are there?

The knee consists of three main joint parts (compartments). Osteoarthritis can occur in one or more of these areas:

• Medial gonarthrosis
  This form affects the inner part of the joint between the femur and tibia (medial tibial compartment). It is the most common type of gonarthrosis, as the body weight is predominantly on the inside of the knee when walking.
• Lateral gonarthrosis
  This affects the outer section of the joint (lateral tibial compartment). It occurs less frequently, but can be particularly painful and is often accompanied by a knock-knee deformity.
• Retropatellar gonarthrosis
  In this form, the wear and tear is located behind the kneecap (between the kneecap and the thigh bone). Typical symptoms occur when climbing stairs, squatting or sitting for long periods with the knee bent.
• Pangonarthrosis
  If all three joint sections are affected at the same time, this is known as pangonarthrosis. This form is usually advanced and associated with significant restriction of movement and chronic pain.

What causes osteoarthritis of the knee?

The causes of knee osteoarthritis are varied – several factors often come together.
A basic distinction is made between primary and secondary osteoarthritis of the knee:

Primary osteoarthritis of the knee

This form develops without a clearly identifiable cause. It is mainly associated with the natural ageing process. Over the years, the joint cartilage gradually wears down due to constant stress. Possible contributing factors are

• Genetic predisposition
• Age (often from the age of 50)
• Being overweight, which puts a permanent strain on the knee joints
• Lack of exercise, which impairs cartilage nutrition

Secondary osteoarthritis of the knee

In this case, there is a specific cause or previous illness that accelerates cartilage wear or triggers it at an early stage. Common causes in this context are

• Injuries such as meniscus tears, cruciate ligament tears or bone fractures in the knee area
• Misalignment of the legs (e.g. bow legs or knock-knees), which put uneven strain on the cartilage
• Chronic overloading due to heavy physical work or intensive sport
• Inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Metabolic disorders such as gout or diabetes mellitus
• Previous operations on the knee joint

How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee is based on several steps and aims to determine the exact cause of the symptoms and the extent of the cartilage wear. A structured procedure helps to rule out other possible diseases and initiate the appropriate treatment.

Medical history

The first step is to ask you specific questions:

• The type, duration and intensity of your pain
• Accompanying complaints such as swelling or stiffness
• Everyday restrictions and previous treatments
• Risk factors such as injuries, misalignments or family history

Physical examination

We will now examine your knee for swelling, misalignment, restricted movement and tenderness. The gait pattern, leg axis and stability of the joint also provide us with important information.

Imaging procedures

The following methods are used to confirm the diagnosis:

• X-ray
  This is the most important imaging procedure for assessing the joint space, bony changes, malpositions or joint deformities.
• Ultrasound
  Ultrasound is helpful for visualizing joint effusions, bursitis or soft tissue changes.
• MRI
  Magnetic resonance imaging is used to assess the condition of the cartilage, menisci, ligaments and soft tissues more precisely – especially in the early stages of osteoarthritis or if symptoms are unclear.
• Laboratory tests (if required)
  If an inflammatory process is suspected – e.g. as part of a rheumatic disease – blood tests can be useful. They help to rule out other causes such as gout or bacterial inflammation.

The combination of medical history, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging enables us to make a reliable assessment of how advanced the osteoarthritis of the knee is – and which treatment options are available.

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in Frankfurt

The treatment of knee joint wear and tear in our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt aims to relieve pain, improve your joint function and slow down the progression of the disease.

Depending on the severity and individual factors, various treatment approaches can be considered:

Conservative treatment methods

In the early stages of gonarthrosis, the focus is on non-surgical measures:

• Physiotherapy
  Targeted exercises strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve mobility and stabilize the knee joint.
• Weight reduction
  Being overweight puts additional strain on the knee joints. Losing weight can reduce the pressure on the joint and alleviate symptoms.
• Drug therapy
  Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication can reduce symptoms.
• Orthopaedic aids
  Insoles or supports support the joint and can correct misalignments.
• Sport and MTT
  Joint-friendly sports such as cycling, swimming or Nordic walking can strengthen the muscles around the knee, which can improve joint stability and relieve pain. At the same time, exercise promotes cartilage nutrition, which can counteract the progression of osteoarthritis. Medical training therapy (MTT) also enables structured muscle development – under professional guidance – and helps to avoid incorrect strain. Properly dosed, regular exercise can have a significant positive effect on the course of the disease.

Surgical treatment methods

If conservative measures are no longer sufficient, surgical procedures can be considered:

• Arthroscopy
  This minimally invasive arthroscopy enables the removal of cartilage abrasion or meniscus damage.
• Repositioning osteotomy
  This involves the surgical correction of misalignments in order to redistribute the load in the joint.
• Knee endoprosthesis
  The implantation of an artificial knee joint is often recommended in cases of advanced knee osteoarthritis.

Special therapies offered at Dr. Tabrizi’s practice in Frankfurt

In our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt, we offer not only classic treatment methods but also advanced innovative therapies that can be optimally combined with general treatment:

• Peri- and intra-articular infiltrations
  The injection of anti-inflammatory substances directly into the affected joint or surrounding tissue helps to reduce pain and inhibit inflammation.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
  In autologous blood treatment, we inject growth factor-rich plasma into your joint to promote healing processes and slow down cartilage degradation. You can find more information about this treatment option here: PRP therapy for osteoarthritis: How does the procedure work??
• Kinesio taping
  Elastic tapes support joint function and pain relief.
• Acupuncture
  We insert special needles at specific points to reduce pain and promote self-healing.

Osteoarthritis therapy in Frankfurt: help with osteoarthritis of the knee

Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common causes of knee pain in adults and can significantly impair quality of life. This makes early and targeted treatment that not only alleviates the symptoms but also slows down the progression of joint wear all the more important.

At our private orthopaedic practice in Frankfurt, you will receive comprehensive care – from in-depth diagnostics to individual treatment planning. With modern, gentle procedures such as PRP therapy, special injections and other supportive measures, we offer you numerous options to reduce pain in the long term and promote mobility.

If you suffer from knee osteoarthritis, we are a competent point of contact for customized treatment based on the latest medical findings. Simply contact us to arrange an appointment!

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