Knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a common and crippling degenerative joint condition that mostly affects the knee joint, is sometimes abbreviated as KOA. It is a chronic condition that causes pain, stiffness, and functional impairment as the cartilage in the knee joint gradually deteriorates. KOA can affect people of all ages, but older persons are more likely to develop it than younger people. This is frequently due to the joint's deterioration with time. One of the most important weight-bearing joints in the body, the knee experiences a lot of stress from daily activities including walking, climbing stairs, and standing. The hallmark symptoms of KOA are caused by the cartilage that cushions the joint breaking down as a result of this continuous wear and tear. Knee osteoarthritis' main symptom is pain, which often gets worse with activity and better with rest. The quality of life of the patient may be significantly impacted as the condition progresses if the pain is persistent and gets worse. Another typical complaint is stiffness, particularly in the morning or after extended periods of inactivity. This stiffness can restrict the knee joint's range of motion, making it challenging to carry out basic movements like bending or straightening the leg. Knee osteoarthritis can cause discomfort, stiffness, and a diminished ability to support weight on the affected joint, making it difficult to walk and maintain balance. Reduced physical activity brought on by pain and discomfort frequently results in muscle weakening and atrophy at the knee joint. Additionally, the disease may lead to joint instability, increasing the risk of injury to the knee. Numerous factors, including genetic susceptibility, obesity, joint traumas, and overuse, may contribute to the precise causes of KOA. Age, gender (with women being more vulnerable), and certain vocations requiring repetitive knee movements are additional risk factors. To sum up, knee osteoarthritis is a common and progressive joint condition that has a big influence on millions of people's lives all over the world. It has several different causes and presents as knee pain, stiffness, and functional restrictions. While surgical procedures are still an option for patients with advanced illness, early diagnosis and a complete care strategy that includes lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medications can enable people with KOA have more comfortable and active lives.
