DESCRIPTION
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
PT IMPLICATIONS
(click here to see references)
- Joint disorder of the knee characterized by pain, functional disability and reduced health related quality of life. Progressive changes associated with knee OA include synovial inflammation, slowly progressive softening of the articular cartilage, narrowing the joint space, osteophyte formation, subchondral sclerosis and cysts.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Persistant knee pain.
- Morning knee stiffness.
- Deep ache triggered or aggravated by weight-bearing activity (walking, stair-climbing, etc.).
- Pain lessens or resolves with rest
- Crepitus
- Joint stiffness often follows inactivity, especially if knee is bent for a prolonged period of time.
- Difficulty with squatting or kneeling.
- Occasional "giving-way" sensation due to pain-related weakness when stepping down or during other activities.
- Knee malalignment and laxity.
- Gait abnormalities, likely secondary to pain, weakness, and reduced flexibility.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Radiographs typically confirm loss of medial and minimum knee joint space
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to investigate possible internal derangement (laxity, meniscus tear,loose body) found on physical exam
- Special tests related to diagnosis:
- WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index
- MACTAR
- AIMS
- SF-36
PT IMPLICATIONS
- Therapeutic exercise (WB and NWB)
- Manual therapy
- Modalities (heat and TENS combined with exercise)
- Orthoses and braces
(click here to see references)