Understanding knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is gradual wear of the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. It is one of the most common reasons people in Bangladesh struggle with prayer postures, stairs and long walks. It is more common with age, higher body weight, previous injuries and bow-legged knees.
Symptoms
- Pain on walking, climbing stairs or getting up from the floor
- Morning stiffness and a grinding feeling
- Swelling and, later, bending of the legs
Non-surgical treatment comes first
Most patients improve with a combination of:
- Targeted quadriceps and hip strengthening exercises
- Weight management and activity modification
- Appropriate pain-relief medicines, used safely
- Joint injections in selected cases
- Supportive footwear, knee braces or a walking stick when needed
When is surgery considered?
If pain continues to limit daily life despite good non-surgical care, options such as total knee replacement may be discussed. The decision is made together, based on X-ray findings, your symptoms and your goals.
This page explains the treatment in general terms. Whether it is right for you is decided only after an examination and review of your X-ray or MRI.