Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that results from breakdown of cartilage and the underlying bone. Knee osteoarthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that occurs when the cartilage between the bones of the knee deteriorates, leading to inadequate cushioning between them. It can be subdivided into primary and secondary knee osteoarthritis. The former develops in the absence of any predisposing associated condition. Secondary knee osteoarthritis develops as a consequence of ligament or meniscus injury, recurrent patella dislocation, joint infection or any other insult to the knee. It is characterized by joint pain and stiffness but also sometimes by swelling and decreased range of motion.
Another long term result of this and other types of osteoarthritis (due to the difficulty of physical exercise) is muscle loss. Bone spurs are another long term result. The risk factors for the disease are age, weight, gender, previous injury, abnormal joint or limb development and inherited factors.
The three knee bones that are involved in the development of knee osteoarthritis are the femur (thighbone), the patella (kneecap) and the tibia (shinbone). When the osteoarthritis is due to deterioration of cartilage between the patella and the femur, it is referred to as patellofemoral osteoarthritis. If it is the result of deterioration of cartilage between the femur and the tibia, it is known as tibiofemoral osteoarthritis.
Knee osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” disease that comes on gradually over time. It is not a traumatic disease that is the result of a single discrete event. However, the following factors are known to increase the risk of developing this disease:
Symptoms of this type of osteoarthritis include:
It is important to realize that, once the process of cartilage deterioration has started, it cannot be stopped or reversed. However, doctors can provide a number of suggestions to slow the rate of progression of the disease and reduce the pain and discomfort it causes. These include the following:
If the osteoarthritis is very advanced or does not respond to the conservative treatments listed above, doctors may suggest surgery. The following is a brief list of the types of surgery available to treat knee osteoarthritis:
Relieve your patients’ tibiofemoral and patellofemoral OA pain with the BioSkin OA Spiral Knee Brace. It provides clinically validated pain relief and is easy to fit, apply and use. Made in the USA.
The Bio Skin Patella Stabilizer is an excellent choice to treat anterior knee pain and other knee problems. Constructed from Bio Skin’s patented, breathable materials, the patella stabilizer gives excellent compression to control swelling and decrease pain in the knee. The donut shaped buttresses stabilize the patella and help keep swelling away from the knee joint. The brace is comfortable to wear and stays in place even during vigorous activity.
Relief and support for sore knees with performance foam patellar ring
The Bio Skin Patella Stabilizer with Conforma Hinge is an excellent choice to treat anterior knee pain and other knee problems. Constructed from Bio Skin’s patented, breathable materials, the patella stabilizer gives excellent compression to control swelling and decrease pain in the knee. The donut shaped buttresses stabilize the patella and help keep swelling away from the knee joint. The brace is comfortable to wear and stays in place even during vigorous activity.
Medium-level compression for minor pain and instability
The Bio Skin Standard Knee Skin provides optimal compression to decrease knee pain, control swelling, and increase proprioception. The design features a two-panel construction so there is no seam in the sensitive area behind the knee. Bio Skin’s unique, patented materials make the brace breathable and comfortable, and wicks moisture away from the skin. All Bio Skin materials are 100% neoprene free and latex free!
Silicone ring helps keep swelling off the joint
The Bio Skin Visco Knee Skin with Conforma Hinge is an excellent all-purpose knee support. The Visco gel ring around the patella provides passive massage to remove swelling and decrease knee pain. The brace is comfortable enough to wear all the time and is very useful a few weeks after knee surgery to control swelling and speed recovery. Constructed fromBio Skin’s patented, breathable materials, the Visco Knee Skin gives excellent compression. Finger loops make application easy.
Silicone ring helps keep swelling off the joint
The Bio Skin Visco Knee Skin with Thigh & Calf Straps is an excellent all-purpose knee support. The Visco gel ring around the patella provides passive massage to remove swelling and decrease knee pain. The brace is comfortable enough to wear all the time and is very useful a few weeks after knee surgery to control swelling and speed recovery. Constructed fromBio Skin’s patented, breathable materials, the Visco Knee Skin gives excellent compression. Finger loops make application easy.
