Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for a person to get knee pain. It affects people who are above 40. It is more commonly seen in women, especially women above 50 years. This may be because they attain menopause around this age leading to osteoporosis or bone becoming brittle. It is also because women usually lead a more sedentary lifestyle than men. Obesity is also a common reason for this kind of pain in the knees. Osteoarthritis typically affects both knees together. One may be more severe than the other. Osteoarthritis can also be due to a past injury or trauma. The pain is usually felt on the anterior or front of the knee. It is also sometimes referred to as anterior knee pain.

The pain may be more on climbing stairs and squatting may become near impossible. It may lead to a severe decrease in the functional ability of the person. This leads to further muscle weakness as the muscle is not used in its daily activities. This is a vicious cycle leading to disability. Pain leading to decreased function that further leads to more function loss and more pain.

Treatment is necessary to break this vicious cycle. The primary goals of any treatment for Osteoarthritis are to decrease pain and improve the function of the person. Have you or anyone you know had these symptoms? It is time you consulted a Physician or Orthopaedician. The rehabilitation team consists of Physiotherapists and counselors among others.

Simple exercises(including home exercises or attending a Physiotherapy clinic) and painkillers are the main treatments for this problem. Hot water fomentations are also recommended. The exercises are:

1.Bending and straightening the knee while sitting on a high stool or chair.

2.Roll a towel and keep it under your knee and press the knee against this.

3.Walking and cycling are good in the early stages of the condition.

Remember!!!!Do not take over the counter painkillers without consulting your Physician. People have lost their lives doing this. Strenuous exercises are not recommended without your Physicians evaluation.

Very severe pain leading to absolute inability to walk and damage to the bones can occur in some people. This needs to be treated by undergoing a knee replacement surgery.

I hope this is helpful in some way for you, your family or friends in some way. Remember that earlier the treatment taken, better the results.