New Delhi: A sudden click or pop in the knee is mostly considered to be a natural response to movement or age. It often ends up being brushed aside as something harmless, but what people do not realise is that this simple sound may be the body’s way of sounding an alarm. Cartilage damage is a common problem among people of all age groups. According to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, around 62.35 million people in India suffer from cartilage damage in the form of Osteoarthritis. This identifies a serious problem, and its wide incidence points out the need for increased awareness of causes, early warning indications, and treatment options.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Pranshul, Consultant, Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, explained how clicking knees could be a sign of cartilage damage.
Know about Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most commonly occurring type of arthritis that affects millions of people all over the world. It happens when the protective cartilage at the end of the bones gets damaged or wears down over time. Although it can affect any joint, the hands, knees, hips, and spine are most vulnerable to it. While damage to the joints cannot be reversed, osteoarthritis can usually be managed with holistic care and appropriate medical support. Its symptoms develop gradually and are progressive.
Patients usually complain of pain in the joints during movement, as seemingly simple activities like walking and sitting suddenly become difficult. Joints feel stiff in the mornings and hurt upon exerting pressure, causing limited range of movement. Hard lumps or extra bits of bone called bone spurs also sometimes form around joints.
Diagnosis and Management of Osteoarthritis
Early diagnosis of osteoarthritis is one of the most important aspects of its treatment. When detected early, joint preservation techniques can be used to minimize discomfort, maintain mobility, and slow down the progression. Early intervention provides patients with more treatment options and may help delay or even prevent joint replacement surgery. MRI scans or X-rays may be recommended to check joint health and detect cartilage loss before it worsens.
However, managing any type of cartilage damage requires a personalised approach that can adapt to the individual’s specific condition and lifestyle needs. The following techniques and treatment options can be considered:
- Exercise therapy can be used to improve the strength of muscles surrounding affected joints, improve flexibility, and assist with range of motion during any movement. Moreover, a physical therapist can assist with joint posture during functional movements, which can reduce strain on joints in daily activities.
- Obesity puts additional pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the knee and hips. Losing small amounts of excess weight releases pressure placed on joints and significantly reduces pain. It also has the potential to slow down the severity of joint damage.
- Low-impact aerobic activity, such as swimming, cycling, or brisk walking, provides support to the joints; it also preserves mobilisation and function. Applying hot or cold compresses may also provide temporary pain relief.
Joint preservation surgeries, such as arthroscopy, osteotomy, or cartilage repair treatments, may be considered in mild to moderate cases. Surgeries like Total Knee Replacement (TKR) or Keyhole Surgery may also be recommended by doctors in some cases. In these procedures, damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial ones.
A combination of these treatment options mostly proves to be helpful in managing osteoarthritis. Individuals who are elderly, overweight, or have a history of joint injuries must take additional precautions, as they are at a higher risk of cartilage damage. Prioritising joint protection and adopting preventive measures early can help reduce strain and delay the onset of degenerative changes. Taking care of joint health starts with daily lifestyle choices, from regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight to treating small joint problems before they become larger issues. By making a few consistent changes in everyday habits, one can help keep the body moving efficiently and effectively for many years.