In this blog you will read:
- What is knee osteoarthritis?
- Why choose treatment without surgery?
- Main treatments without surgery
- MotiMove: your personal movement coach for knee osteoarthritis
- Frequently asked questions
Motimove is a movement app to relieve your pain, download now!
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis, also called knee joint wear, is a common condition in which the cartilage in the knee joint becomes thinner and softer. As a result, the bones no longer glide smoothly against each other. This can lead to:
- Pain in the knee
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
- A cracking feeling in the knee
- Difficulty climbing stairs or walking
- Sometimes also swelling or a warm feeling
Why choose treatment without surgery?
Not everyone with knee osteoarthritis needs surgery. Operations such as a knee joint replacement are usually only performed in cases of severe wear and if other treatments do not help.
Treatment without surgery:
- Reduces pain naturally
- Avoids risks from surgery
- Helps you stay active
- Can delay or even make surgery unnecessary
And the nice thing is: you can do a lot yourself at home—with the right support.
Main treatments without surgery
Exercise and muscle strengthening
Strong thigh muscles take the load off your knee joint. That way you can move more smoothly and have less pain. Even light daily exercise helps!
Losing weight if overweight
Every kilo less means less strain on your knees. That helps slow down the wear and relieve symptoms.
Painkillers and gels
Paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory gel like diclofenac can help temporarily with pain. But use these only when needed and not as your only solution.
Hyaluronic acid injections
Sometimes a doctor injects a lubricant (hyaluronic acid) into the knee. This can make the joint move more smoothly, but does not work equally well for everyone.
Braces or a walking stick
A knee brace can provide more support and less movement in the knee, which means you feel less pain. A walking stick can also help with walking.
Talk to a doctor about this.
MotiMove: your personal movement coach for knee osteoarthritis
With knee osteoarthritis, movement is the most important thing. The MotiMove app helps you do just that.
With MotiMove:
- You do safe exercises developed by physical therapists
- You get short videos that show you step by step what to do
- You learn through simple facts what pain is and how to deal with it
- You track your own progress and see how you get stronger!
- You get daily motivation to stay active
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is the wear of the cartilage in the knee. As a result, the bones move less smoothly against each other, which can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. It is a chronic condition that progresses slowly.
Is knee osteoarthritis the same as rheumatism?
No, rheumatism is an inflammatory disease that can affect the whole body. Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of one or more joints, usually without inflammation. However, both can cause pain and stiffness.
Can knee osteoarthritis be cured?
Unfortunately not, knee osteoarthritis is a permanent condition. But you can do a lot to relieve the symptoms and slow down its progression.
Should I stop moving if I'm in pain?
No, quite the opposite! Movement is very important for knee osteoarthritis. It keeps your joints flexible and strengthens your muscles. But make sure to do safe activities like walking, cycling, or appropriate exercises.
Do supplements like glucosamine help?
Some notice improvement, others do not. There is no clear evidence that it works for everyone. Consider it as a supplement, not a substitute for exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Talk to a doctor about it.
Move for less pain
Knee surgery is not the only solution. There is a lot you can do yourself to make your knee stronger, more flexible, and less painful.
Download the MotiMove app and work at your own pace towards a life with less pain and more movement.