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8 Common Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

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What do golf superstar Tiger Woods, basketball legend Kobe Bryant and Hollywood actor Patrick Stewart all have in common? They are famous examples of people who live with  Osteoarthritis (OA). Also known as degenerative or “wear and tear” arthritis, OA is the most common form of arthritis. Learn more about Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis most often occurs in the knee joint. In Singapore, a National Health Surveillance Survey (NHSS) conducted in 2013 found that the estimated national prevalence of knee OA was 11%. Women were more likely to be affected than men. Knee OA was more prevalent among Indian ethnicity (20.5%), followed by Malay (17.7%), and Chinese (9.3%).
Unsurprisingly, knee osteoarthritis is more likely to occur with increasing age. In recent years, however, the prevalence of Knee Osteoarthritis in younger people between the ages of 18-50 years old has been steadily rising. This trend is the result of a rising interest in sports and consequently, knee injuries.
With the knowledge that knee osteoarthritis is so common, it is therefore important to recognise the 8 Common Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis.

8 Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

1. Pain

This is the most common symptom and is typically worse on waking up in the morning or after an extended period of inactivity. In severe cases, the pain can be excruciating and result in disability.

2. Stiffness

Again, stiffness is worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity. The stiffness usually reduces after a short period of walking about.

3. Swelling

This tends to occur at the end of a long day and particularly if a lot of standing or walking was involved.

4. A “Grating” or “Crunching” Sensation

A person with knee osteoarthritis can either hear this or feel it when placing a hand on the knee cap while bending or straightening the knee. This occurs due to degenerated meniscus and cartilage, loss of synovial fluid and the presence of bone spurs.

5. Decreased Range of Motion

This occurs in the late stages of knee osteoarthritis. Some people are not even able to fully straighten their knees at all.

6. Locking or “Jamming” of the joint

This happens when the meniscus is degenerated or torn and flaps about during joint movement. Another reason is due to fragments of bone or soft tissue floating within the joint space.

7. Joint Instability

In the late stages of knee OA, the soft tissues of the joint are severely damaged. This includes ligaments, which play a crucial role in maintaining joint stability.

8. Joint Deformity

This also occurs in the late stages of Knee Osteoarthritis. Severe soft tissue damage and joint space narrowing affect the alignment of the knee joint. The knees start to appear bowed and deformed.
If you or any of your loved ones are experiencing these symptoms, speak to your doctor to learn about the available Knee Osteoarthritis treatment options.

We also provides a range of joint pain diagnosis & treatment. You can call us at +65 6962 2144 or drop us an email at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg for an appointment with our doctor.

Take care!

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Office Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms Treatments

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What is Office Syndrome?

If you live in a big city and work in an office environment, chances are you may suffer from Office Syndrome even though you may not know it.
Office Syndrome is not a disease but instead refers to a group of symptoms related to the unhealthy sitting posture. The typical office worker spends hours upon hours sitting in the same position, toiling away in front of computer screens.
At first glance, one may not think much about such a lifestyle, but if left unaddressed, Office Syndrome can potentially lead to serious issues, especially for one’s muscles and spine.

What is the Cause of Office Syndrome

A poor working environment is a major cause of Office Syndrome. Inadequate table height and positioning of the computer and keyboard leads to an unnatural sitting position. Slouching or hunching over with rounded shoulders causes constant muscle contraction, gradually resulting in weak core muscles and increased tension in other muscle groups.
Dry eyes and headache can also result from long hours facing computer screens. Psychological symptoms such as depression, insomnia and fatigue may occur as well. All these also fall under the spectrum of Office Syndrome.

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What are the Symptoms?

What are the Treatments?

If you suspect that you are having symptoms related to Office Syndrome, speak to your doctor about it. Based on the symptoms as described above, investigations such as X-ray, ultrasound scan or blood tests may be recommended.
The treatment essentially depends on the symptoms and body part that is of concern, and commonly involves medications, physiotherapy and alternative therapies such as acupuncture.
However, as the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, it is much easier to take measures to prevent Office Syndrome rather than have to deal with the problems when they develop.

Office work does not equal Office Syndrome!

How to Avoid Office Syndrome!

Not everyone who works in an office is destined to develop Office Syndrome. All that is required are some adjustments to the workplace and the development of good habits, and Office Syndrome can be easily avoided.

1) Practice proper posture.

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Practice proper posture. Sit up straight with your shoulders rolled back and your chin tucked to elongate your spine. Good posture is always important, even when not at work.

2) Adjust your sitting position regularly.

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Doing so every 1-2 hours helps to prevent muscle fatigue and subsequent slouching. You can also change the angle of your seat, and avoid sitting at the edge of your seat.

3) Try to exercise

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Try to exercise for 30 minutes or more, at least three times a week. Focus on exercises that can strengthen your core muscle groups, which in turn can help with your posture.

4) Desk ergonomics.

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Desk ergonomics. The computer mouse and keyboard should be directly in front of you, at a comfortable distance, with your arms properly supported. The computer screen should be an arm’s length away from you, and level with or slightly below your line of sight. Standing work desks are great, and nowadays there are even adjustable desks for both sitting and standing.

5) Take a break.

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Remember to take a break. Take short breaks throughout the day to rest your eyes. This is also a good time to stretch or take a walking break.
Take care!

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