About Osteoarthritis and Knee Pain

If you are visiting this web site, chances are it’s because you or someone you care about suffers from the arthritis that causes knee pain. You are not alone. About 70 million Americans have arthritis. More than 20 million have the most common form of it, known as osteoarthritis (OA). In fact, OA is the number one cause of disability in the United States.^{1, 2}

But there is good news for OA patients. More than ever before, people are regaining their active lifestyles and continuing many of their favorite activities, despite their condition. As you explore the rest of this site, keep this in mind: There is hope, and help.

Osteoarthritis and Knee Pain

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease. That means it will never get better, and is likely to get worse over time. Unlike some forms of arthritis that are due to a faulty immune system, osteoarthritis is a “wear-and-tear” disease: the knee pain and immobility are caused by wear-and-tear between the joints. This friction is due to worn out cartilage between the joints.

OA strikes three times as many women as men and most often occurs in people over 50. However, younger people who have been injured in sports or accidents can start having symptoms in their 30s and 40s.^{1, 2}

If you have OA, everyday activities may be extremely painful or even impossible. Simple things like walking, driving, lifting, standing, and exercising may be causing you extreme pain. It may even hurt when lying down to sleep or rest.

In addition to physical symptoms, osteoarthritis takes an emotional toll.³ A survey by The National Council on the Aging sheds light on the way OA hampers the lives of people with the disease:

• OA sufferers reported gaining an average of 42 pounds since their diagnosis. This is partly due to patients’ inability to exercise as much as they would like to -- a feeling expressed by 75 percent of OA sufferers.
• Loss of sleep, which can take a serious toll on relationships, productivity and public safety, is another side effect of OA. Sixty-five percent of sufferers reported losing two or more hours of sleep per night due to pain.

OA is a progressive disease. While early treatment can slow things down, affected joints generally continue to get worse.

• Early in the disease, joints may ache after physical work or exercise.
  
• When OA becomes severe and the cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint.
  
• Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape. Also, bone spurs may grow on the edges of the joint. Pieces of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space, causing even more pain and damage.⁴

Remember, though, that while the disease is serious and painful, there is hope and help. Explore the pages of this site for information on coping with knee pain and OA.

References:
1. Arthritis Foundation, http://www.arthritis.org/resources/gettingstarted/default.asp
2. CDC. Prevalence of self-reported arthritis or chronic joint syndromes among adults---United States, 2001. MMWR 2002; 51(42); 948-950.
3. “Improving Musculoskeletal Care in America” Project of the Council on Research, Evidence-based Practice Committee, and Department of Research and Scientific Affairs, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, April 2003.
4. Handout on Health: Osteoarthritis, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, July 2002.

Last Updated: 07/14/2008