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Our Location
East Shore Medical Centre
Suite 03-05A,
319 Joo Chiat Place,
Singapore 427989
Tel: (65) 6348 2605
Fax: (65) 6348 2606
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Suite 12-10,
3 Mount Elizabeth Road,
Singapore 228510
Tel: (65) 6738 2628
Fax: (65) 6738 2629
Gleneagles Medical Centre
Suite 05-13,
6 Napier Road,
Singapore 258499
Tel: (65) 6474 0600
Fax: (65) 6474 0700
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What is Osteoarthritis?
OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) is a joint disease where there is progressive softening and breaking up of the joint cartilage.
With the loss of this cartilage, the exposed bone becomes the surface that bears weight and can be damaged. There are
many conditions that can result in degeneration of the knee joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause that
require patients to undergo knee replacement surgery. This condition is commonly referred to as "wear and tear arthritis".
What causes osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can occur with no previous history of injury to the knee joint - the knee simply "wears out". There may
be a genetic tendency in some people, which increases their chances of developing osteoarthritis.
The major problem in osteoarthritis is that the cartilage (the articular cartilage) on the surface of the bone inside
the joint wears away. This results in bone rubbing against bone, as the slick protective surface of the articular
cartilage is absent. This causes pain.
What causes osteoarthritis?
Abnormal functions of the knee joint resulting from fractures of the knee, torn cartilages and torn ligaments can lead
to degeneration many years after the injury. The mechanical abnormality leads to excessive wear and tear – just like
the out of balance tyre that wears out too soon on your car.
Symptoms
What are the common symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee?
The symptoms of a degenerative knee joint usually begin as pain while bearing weight on the affected knee. You may limp
and the knee may become swollen with fluid. The degeneration can lead to a reduction in the range of motion of the
affected knee - the knee bends less than normal and may lose the ability to completely straighten out. Bone spurs
(see picture) will usually develop and can be seen on X-ray. Finally, as the condition becomes worse, the pain may be
present all the time and may even keep you awake at night.
Extreme recurring pain- this is the main symptom. It tends to be worse after activity. Because of the pain, you tend not
to bear much weight on the affected leg. Your thigh muscles may become weaker and smaller.
Joint stiffness- after rest, the joint feels stiff and it hurts to 'get going' after sitting for any length of time. In
time, the joint gets stiffer and you may be unable to fully straighten or bend the joint.
Swelling - this is common especially after excessive activity.
Deformity- If the OA is severe, your joint may become deformed e.g. bowlegged (genu varus deformity)
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