Top Health Science 
As temperatures begin to rise in March, there’s a notable increase in patients seeking medical attention for knee pain. While muscles play a crucial role in reducing the stress exerted on joints, the onset of warmer weather often leads to increased outdoor activities. However, muscles that remain stiff from the colder months may lack the necessary strength to adequately support the knee joints, potentially leading to discomfort or pain.
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis
The knee’s cartilage acts as a cushion between the upper and lower bones of the joint, absorbing shocks and facilitating smooth movement. Over time, or due to significant impacts and repetitive stress, this cartilage can wear down or tear. Unlike bones, cartilage lacks nerve cells, so pain often isn’t felt until the wear progresses to the point where the bones begin to rub against each other. This gradual degradation leads to knee osteoarthritis, a condition where the knee’s cartilage deteriorates over time. Given that the knees are among the most utilized joints in the body and bear significant weight, they are particularly susceptible to degenerative changes associated with aging.
Factors That Worsen Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Several factors can exacerbate the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, including:
- Weather and Environmental Changes: Large temperature fluctuations and frequent weather changes can decrease the flexibility of muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint, intensifying pain.
- Dry Conditions: Dry weather can reduce the lubricating function of joint fluids, increasing friction and leading to discomfort.
- Increased Physical Activity: Spring often brings a surge in physical activities like exercise and outdoor events. While beneficial, a sudden uptick in activity can strain the knee joints, potentially worsening symptoms.
Progression of Knee Cartilage Damage
Damage to knee cartilage typically progresses through stages:
- Early Stage: Intermittent symptoms such as slight discomfort or pain when using stairs or standing after prolonged sitting. These symptoms often improve with rest, leading many to overlook them.
- Mid Stage: Increased pain levels, swelling after extended periods of walking, and occasional unexplained knee swelling.
- Late Stage: Severe pain that can hinder walking, noticeable leg deformities, and the potential need for knee replacement surgery if conservative treatments are ineffective.
Importance of Stage-Specific Treatment and Weight Management
Addressing knee osteoarthritis effectively requires treatments tailored to the disease’s progression:
- Early Stage: Adequate rest and regular stretching can alleviate symptoms. Additional interventions like medication, physical therapy, and injections can reduce pain, enhance joint function, and strengthen surrounding muscles.
- Mid Stage: The focus shifts to slowing disease progression and managing pain to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery. Emerging treatments, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) therapy, have shown promise in improving joint function and reducing discomfort.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as excess body weight increases the load on knee joints. Notably, a weight gain of 1 kilogram (approximately 2.2 pounds) can add about 4 kilograms (approximately 8.8 pounds) of pressure on the knees, with movements potentially amplifying this burden to around 7 kilograms (approximately 15.4 pounds). Therefore, weight reduction can significantly slow cartilage deterioration.
Tips for Maintaining Knee Health During Spring
To protect your knees during the spring season:
- Avoid Overexertion: Engage in low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or using a stationary bike to strengthen knee muscles without undue stress.
- Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Incorporate exercises that bolster the thigh muscles, like climbing stairs instead of using elevators or holding a book between the thighs while seated.
- Monitor Symptoms: If you experience knee swelling, pain, or a creaking sensation lasting more than three days after an external impact, consult an orthopedic specialist for evaluation.
- Maintain Proper Posture: Ensure correct posture during daily activities to minimize unnecessary strain on the knees.
By proactively addressing knee health, especially during seasonal transitions, you can enhance joint function, alleviate pain, and improve overall quality of life.
