Knee joint pain and degeneration are some of the most commonly reported musculoskeletal complaints in India, affecting people across all age groups. A "knee joint gap" refers to the reduction in space between the bones in the knee joint, primarily due to cartilage wear and tear, often resulting from osteoarthritis (OA).
This condition can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. Understanding the available medical approaches is essential to prevent further damage, manage symptoms effectively, and delay or avoid surgical intervention.
Read on!
A knee joint gap, or narrowing of the joint space, is primarily caused by:
According to Indian epidemiological data, osteoarthritis affects more than 15 million adults annually, with knee OA being a leading cause of disability among the elderly, especially post-menopausal women.
Symptoms may develop gradually and often include:
● Persistent knee pain, especially during or after movement.
● Stiffness after periods of inactivity.
● Swelling or tenderness.
● Grinding or cracking sounds on movement.
● Decreased range of motion.
● Bowing of the legs in advanced stages (varus or valgus deformity).
Early diagnosis through X-ray (to assess joint space narrowing) and MRI (to evaluate cartilage damage and soft tissue) is vital in initiating timely medical treatment. Thus, one should immediately consult a medical practitioner upon noticing these signs.
Medical treatment options aim to slow disease progression, relieve pain, and improve joint function. These include:
1.Pharmacological Therapy
i. Pain Management
Prolonged NSAID use can lead to gastric or renal complications, so they should be used under medical supervision.
ii. Disease-Modifying Agents
2.Intra-articular Injections
i. Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation)
ii. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
iii. Steroid Injections
3.Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Conservative and post-surgical treatment calls both for a structured physical therapy regimen. Techniques include:
● Strengthening of the quadriceps (straight leg lifts, mini squats)
● Exercises involving a range of motion
● Low-impact sports, including swimming or cycling
● Use of knee braces or orthotic support
● Weight loss programs if BMI > 25
4.Orthobiologics and Newer Regenerative Approaches
Cutting-edge treatments are being explored in India and globally to address knee joint degeneration:
Although exciting, these procedures are costly and not yet covered under most insurance plans or are not readily available.
Maintaining joint health and controlling inflammation depend significantly on the diet. Here’s what one can consider adding:
Consulting a clinical dietitian is advisable for personalized nutrition plans.
Complementary therapies can offer additional relief. They include:
1.Ayurveda
2.Yoga
If conservative treatment fails and the pain severely impacts daily activities, surgery may be advised. Procedures include the following:
1.Arthroscopic Debridement
Minimally invasive procedure to clean the joint — typically used in mild cases with mechanical symptoms.
2.High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO)
Realignment surgery for younger patients with one-sided joint space narrowing.
3.Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
Considered in advanced OA when joint space is severely reduced and pain is persistent. Over 1.5 lakh TKRs are performed annually in India, with excellent outcomes when done in reputable centres.
Health insurance can play a critical role in managing knee joint conditions. Comprehensive health plans can offer coverage for surgery costs, diagnostics, consultations and more, along with cashless hospitalization benefits.
This ensures that patients can access the top medical practitioners for treatment without worrying about the costs. However, the extent of coverage will vary depending on the insurer and policy type.
If you are looking for a health insurance plan that ticks all the boxes, check out the ones offered by Star Health. You gain access to over 14,000 network hospitals, comprehensive coverage, wellness programs, ambulance coverage, and more.
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