Knee Osteoarthritis: Slowing Wear and Relieving Pain
Leading cause of disability in people over 65
Dr. Marc Lefèvre
Rheumatologist
A disease of the entire cartilage
Knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis) results from progressive degradation of the articular cartilage. Risk factors include age, overweight, traumatic history, genu varum/valgum, and repeated high-impact activities.
Non-surgical solutions
- Weight loss: reducing 5 kg decreases the risk of worsening by 50%
- Quadriceps muscle strengthening: protects the joint
- Gentle physical activity: cycling, swimming, Nordic walking
- Analgesics: paracetamol, topical NSAIDs, oral NSAIDs for short courses
- Injections: corticosteroids for flare-ups, hyaluronic acid for viscosupplementation
- Orthotics and corrective insoles
When to operate?
Arthroscopy is no longer indicated for isolated gonarthrosis. Total knee replacement is indicated in cases of advanced disabling osteoarthritis with medical treatment failure. Results are excellent in more than 90% of cases, with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
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