Osteoarthritis of the knee results from the breakdown of the cartilage (a protective tissue) that covers the end of the bones in the knee joint (femur and tibia). This breakdown of cartilage results in bone on bone (femur and tibia) contact which is the primary reason for pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Age, mechanical wear and genetics all contribute to this breakdown of cartilage over time. The treatment for osteoarthritis is especially important because without proper education, you can make it worse and rely too much on pain medication or walk yourself into surgery. 
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
- Pain in the knee joint (especially when you stand or bend the knee)
- Swelling (especially after standing for prolonged periods of time or after exercise)
- Stiffness/restricted range of motion (inability to bend or extend the knee without pain)
- Creaking or crackling sensation in the knee joint
- Weakness in the knee joint or surrounding muscles
Causes
- Overuse- age, excessive load on the knee with weight bearing exercises or repetitive movements
- Muscle imbalances or weaknesses- creating uneven stress on the bones in the knee joint
- Injury- trauma to the knee joint from contact or weight bearing rotation of the knee specifically the meniscus (a cushioning and protective structure that sits on the tibial surfaces both medially and laterally)
- Weight- excess weight or obesity
- Genetics- inherited abnormalities in the shape of the bones in the knee or biochemical factors such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Why is treatment so Important?
It is especially important to seek medical attention when you have osteoarthritis. Without proper treatment and strengthening, the condition may worsen and you may suffer from chronic knee pain and require surgery. Without treatment, many people do more damage to their knee and will require a knee replacement at an earlier age. It is also important to avoid compensation with other muscles, joints or body parts so that you don’t create another problem at another body site.
How can physical therapy help?
When you schedule an evaluation with us, you will receive a thorough assessment of your injury. Your physical therapist will talk to you about what activities you would like to get back to and then prescribe a combination of stretches and exercises that you will learn from our experienced and educated staff that you can duplicate at home. You can expect this combination along with manual therapy techniques to improve your strength and stability. The staff at Loudoun Sports Therapy Center is committed to helping you achieve your goals!
