November 20, 2023 Author : Jorge Pon What is gonarthrosis? Gonarthrosis is a disease that affects the knee . It is also known as knee osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative disease , characterized by the progressive wear of the cartilage that covers the ends of the thigh and leg bones (femur, tibia and fibula) that form the knee joint. This cartilage wear and tear significantly affects quality of life because it results in: Pain; Inflammation; Limitation of joint range of motion. Causes and risk factors Gonarthrosis can have several causes , including: Aging; Genetic predisposition; Previous knee injuries; Overweight and obesity; Joint misalignment; High-impact physical activities. These factors contribute to the progressive wear and tear of the cartilage, leading to degeneration of the knee joint. Symptoms of gonarthrosis Local symptoms of gonarthrosis vary in intensity and are: Pain, which generally increases with physical activity and decreases with rest; Stiffness, which may be more pronounced in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity; Swelling; Crepitus (grinding noise) during movement. Diagnosis To diagnose gonarthrosis , the doctor relies on: History reported by the patient; Analysis of symptoms; Physical examination focused on the lower limbs; Results of imaging tests, such as x-rays, which reveal cartilage wear and possible changes in joint structures. Treatment of gonarthrosis Treatment of gonarthrosis aims to: Relieve pain; Improve joint function; Slow the progression of the disease. Possible treatment options, whose choice by the doctor depends on the particulars and of the patient preferences , include: Medications to relieve pain and inflammation Analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, usually taken orally; Local injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid. Physiotherapy Specific exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve range of motion and provide stability; Weight loss In people who are overweight, losing weight can reduce pressure on the knee joint. Surgery In severe cases refractory to conservative treatments, surgery, such as knee arthroplasty (joint replacement or knee prosthesis), may be considered. In younger patients, there are currently conservative options (without knee replacement), called osteotomies, which allow corrections to be made that alleviate pain and limited function. Prevention Although gonarthrosis cannot be completely prevented, some measures can help reduce the risk or slow its progression. Preventive measures for gonarthrosis are: Maintain a healthy weight; Prefer low-impact physical exercise; Protect the knees when likelihood of injury, strain or pressure on the joint increase; Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Seeking medical care early if there are complaints of pain and limitation of movement, as well as if a knee injury occurs, contributes to successful treatment. In summary… Gonarthrosis is a painful and debilitating condition that affects the knee joint and has a significant impact on quality of life. Early diagnosis, and implementation of appropriate treatment options, can help minimize symptoms and preserve knee joint function. The treatment approach must be personalized to meet the specific needs of each patient. Meet the orthopedics clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
