This kind of knee osteoarthritis is basically all the parts of the knee joint: medial femorotibial (inside), lateral femorotibial (outside), and patellofemoral (under the kneecap) are affected by tricompartmental osteoarthritis.
When any portion of the very protective cartilage inside any of these areas breaks down, it rubs together to create pain. The signs are swelling, stiffness, and instability; and since the knee is the largest joint weight bears the body, the effect of Tricompartmental osteoarthritis is very serious regarding daily activities such as standing alone, walking, or even climbing stairs.
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What Causes this Tricompartmental Osteoarthritis in Some Individuals?
Numerous conditions may cause deterioration of cartilage in separate locations over the knee.
- Age: The Number of years lived has increased age and osteoarthritis of the knee. Prior injury: An ACL tear, meniscus injuries, or fractures develop an imbalance of stresses at the knee, which leads to wear.
- Obesity: Increased loading of the joint contributes to the additional loss of cartilage. Malalignment: Valgus and varus knees apply uneven forces in selected areas, resulting in uneven cartilage wear.
- Heredity: Having osteoarthritis in the family increases your risk. Occupational and recreational factors: Some occupations or sports activities that require a lot of kneeling or squatting, as well as lifting a lot of weight, increase the load on the joint.
- Co-morbidities, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or any metabolic disorders, affect the joint in terms of injuries or damage to the cartilage.
Symptoms of Tricompartmental Knee Osteoarthrosis
- Pain in the knee that persists: An aching that worsens with weight-bearing activity but improves with its comfort state. Stiffness in the morning; It is the knee being difficult to bend or straighten in two situations, that is, after inactivity during sleep or long sitting periods.
- Swollen knee: The knee appears full or swollen from the excess fluid present at that time. A grinding movement or noise; It’s a sensation or sound that occurs during a movement in the knee (i.e., crepitus).
- Unstable or buckling: A knee gives way under pressure.
- Deformity: On rare occasions, this makes it bow-legged or knock-kneed.
The knee makes all movements painful, with constant discomfort ranging from overwhelming to stinging, and always getting worse with extra weight on the knee.
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Diagnosis of Tricompartmental Osteoarthritis
Diagnosis and assessment are through physical examination and imaging studies. During the physical examination, a clinician may look for swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and knee alignment, and usually carries out specific tests to check for ligament stability and evaluates gait.
Imaging Studies:
X-ray
How much narrowing, osteophytes, and loss of space occur in the joint? With the presence of symmetric space loss in all three compartments, the disease is indicated as being tricompartmental. Improvement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology is very useful for meniscal tears, cartilage lesions, or ligament injuries.
Ultrasound
Joint evaluation for effusion and soft-tissue structures around the knee. One or two times, the physician may aspirate joint fluid to exclude bacteremia or “gout,” especially with marked swelling or signs of systemic inflammation like fever. When one compartment is affected, it implies that further parts would need extra consideration.
Daily Tips to Protect Your Knees
- Low-impact exercise: Swimming, cycling, and water aerobics are types of exercise that can build strength in the legs while putting less stress on the knees.
- Wear the right shoes: Orthotic inserts or supportive shoes can align your leg and give relief to your knee.
- Do not kneel or squat for a long period of time: If you have to be on your knees, wear knee pads or take breaks often.
- Strengthening of surrounding muscles: Strong quadriceps and hamstrings absorb shock and reduce the strain on the joint.
- Engage your core: Reduces stress on the knees with improved posture.
- Stay mindful of pain: Pain is a signal that it’s time to slow things down. Modify activities if you notice a spike in pain or discomfort. For additional tips on knee care, check out our article on reducing swelling in the knee fast.
How Is Tricompartmental Osteoarthritis Different From Other Types of Knee Arthritis?
There is trifactorial wear on the whole knee induced by the trifactorial arthritis of the knee. In other words, wear off the cartilage lining the inner and outer surfaces of the knee joint and under the kneecap. This means the pain and the stiffness are probably more generalized and could be felt along the front, back, and sides of the knee. Thumbs up to this, as probably all parts of the joint capsule are inflamed and thus, the knee appears enlarged; the patients are more likely to notice a sensation of heaviness or fullness in the joint.
There is then a higher possibility that, due to the narrowing of the joint space in several areas, the rubbing against one another may be achieved more effectively, forming spurs and features like knock knees or bow legs. The best example of this kind of disease would probably be targeted braces and partial replacements.
Final Thought!
While some cases of Tricompartmental osteoarthritis might progress, prevalence is not the end of the symptoms. There are many options available to facilitate living a healthy and active lifestyle.
We at Dvida Medical Spa use advanced non-operative modalities to directly target the very source of pain. These image-guided therapies include viscosupplementation injection therapy, platelet-rich plasma injections, and genicular artery embolization, which specifically target the inflammatory process while restoring joint function. Custom braces, combined with chronic care management to promote long-term health, will also be instituted for patients.
You don’t have to keep on with normal life, suffering from pain in the knee 24 hours a day. Take a free consultation appointment at Dvida Med Spa in Cary, NC, or Chicago, IL, today. We will examine your knee with one of our specialists and design a personalized plan to keep you moving and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions on Tricompartmental Osteoarthritis
Is This the Last Stage of Arthritis?
Not quite; although an argument could be made, it is perhaps more valid to state that tricompartmental disease is more far-gone than a unicompartmental one. Still, many people keep their hopes alive of finding relief non-surgically. End-stage arthritis is when there is destruction of the cartilage, bone rubbing on bone throughout the joint, and it is altogether unresponsive to treatment. The physician will actually look at the stage more based on the cartilage loss present in the person.
Can I Avoid a Knee Replacement With a Diagnosis of a Tricompartmental Disease?
Many individuals with Tricompartmental osteoarthritis find relief from their symptoms using medicines, exercising, losing weight, using braces, or getting injections. Other options for treatment, from joint lubrication to rich blood injection, even to cutting the vessels supplying this region, may provide considerable relief for others. You may also visit a specialist and find out the degree of relief you may get from some knee procedures.
Indeed, once all the other options have not turned out to be satisfactory, the surgical options remain open, solely for those severely affected patients who have been in pain to the extent that it affects their daily activities.
Which Type of Exercises Should I Begin for My Tricompartmental Osteoarthritis?
Low-impact muscle-strengthening exercises would be good without putting pressure on the joints. Swimming, cycling, Tai Chi, and water aerobics are good cardiovascular workouts that don’t stress the knees. Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals, and core will enhance joint stability. Always start slow and consult a physical therapist before proceeding.
Does the Weather Make My Knee Hurt?
Some individuals are more painful and stiffer at times of changing barometric pressures or when the cold season sets in. Some studies show no correlation between an individual’s arthritis and weather, but keeping warm and active might alleviate some discomfort. Grab a heat pack or two for a warm hug to your knee, or even find an indoor training program to keep yourself from suffering through winter.
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