In this blog you’ll read:
- What is knee osteoarthritis?
- Why choose a non-surgical treatment?
- Main non-surgical treatments
- MotiMove: your personal movement coach for knee osteoarthritis
- Frequently asked questions
MotiMove is a movement app to relieve your pain, download it today!
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis, also called wear and tear of the knee, is a common condition in which the cartilage in your knee joint becomes thinner and softer. As a result, your bones no longer glide smoothly over each other. This can cause:
- Pain in the knee
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- A cracking sensation in the knee
- Difficulty climbing stairs or walking
- Sometimes swelling or a warm sensation
Why choose a non-surgical treatment?
Not everyone with knee osteoarthritis needs surgery. Operations, such as a knee replacement, are usually only done in cases of severe wear and tear and when other treatments don’t help.
A non-surgical treatment:
- Reduces pain naturally
- Avoids the risks of surgery
- Helps you stay active
- Sometimes even delays surgery or makes it unnecessary
And the great thing is: you can do a lot yourself at home, with the right support.
Main non-surgical treatments
Movement and muscle strengthening
Strong thigh muscles reduce the load on your knee joint. This helps you move more smoothly and feel less pain. Even daily light activity helps!
Weight loss if overweight
Every kilo less means less strain on your knees. This helps slow down wear and tear and reduce symptoms.
Painkillers and gels
Paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory gel like diclofenac can help temporarily with pain. But use this only when needed and not as the sole solution.
Hyaluronic acid injections
Sometimes the doctor injects a lubricant into your knee (hyaluronic acid). This can make the knee move more smoothly, but it doesn’t work equally well for everyone.
Braces or a walking stick
A knee brace can provide more support and reduce movement in the knee, which can lessen pain. Using a walking stick can also make walking easier.
Discuss this with a doctor.
MotiMove: your personal movement coach for knee osteoarthritis
With knee osteoarthritis, staying active is the most important thing. That’s exactly where the MotiMove app helps.
With MotiMove:
- You do safe exercises created by physiotherapists
- You get short videos that show you step by step what to do
- You learn through simple insights what pain is and how to manage it
- You track your own progress and see yourself getting stronger!
- You get daily motivation to keep moving
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee. As a result, the bones move less smoothly over each other, which can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. It’s a chronic condition that slowly gets worse.
Is knee osteoarthritis the same as rheumatism?
No, rheumatism is an inflammatory disease that can affect the whole body. Osteoarthritis is wear and tear of one or more joints, usually without inflammation. Both can cause pain and stiffness.
Can knee osteoarthritis be cured?
Unfortunately not; knee osteoarthritis is a lasting condition. But there’s a lot you can do to reduce symptoms and slow the process.
Should I stop moving if I’m in pain?
No, definitely not! Being active is very important with knee osteoarthritis. It keeps your joints flexible and strengthens your muscles. Choose safe activities, such as walking, cycling, or the right exercises.
Do supplements like glucosamine help?
Some people notice some improvement, others don’t. There’s no solid evidence that it works for everyone. See it as a supplement, not a replacement for good movement and lifestyle. Consult a doctor.
Move your way to less pain
A knee operation isn’t the only solution. There’s a lot you can do yourself to make your knee stronger, more flexible, and less painful.
Download the MotiMove app today and get many more exercises like the video below. Work at your own pace towards a life with less pain and more movement.