Gonarthrosis is osteoarthritis of the knee. It is a chronic joint damage that occurs in the knee and is characterized by destruction of the cartilage. Both knees are usually affected. Appropriate care is recommended to relieve pain and fight against the inconvenience of osteoarthritis.

Definition of knee osteoarthritis

Gonarthrosis is a type of osteoarthritis, that is, a chronic joint pathology. This disease is characterized by a degradation of the articular cartilage. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease.

Gonarthrosis specifically refers to osteoarthritis of the knee. In the majority of cases, it affects the femoro-tibial joint connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (leg bone). However, it can also affect the patellofemoral joint between the femur and the kneecap, or patella (a small bone in the front of the knee). Finally, there are a few cases where both joints are affected simultaneously. 

Note: In knee osteoarthritis, both knees are often affected.

Causes of knee osteoarthritis

The development of knee osteoarthritis is usually due to the accumulation of many risk factors. We are talking about a multifactorial cause. The list of risk factors is detailed below.

Risk factors for knee osteoarthritis

Many factors seem to favor the development of knee osteoarthritis:

• age, osteoarthritis being more frequent from 50-60 years;
• female sex, knee osteoarthritis occurring more often in women, especially after menopause;
• genetic factors;
• the genu varum which corresponds to a deviation of the axis of the leg with the knees going outwards;
• the genu valgum which results in a deviation of the axis of the leg with the knees going inwards;
• overweight causing overloading of the joints;
• the frequent carrying of loads, which also generates an overload at the level of the joints;
• the repetitive and / or intensive practice of certain activities, causing microtrauma and causing overexertion of the joints and ligaments;
• knee trauma such as anterior cruciate ligament rupture, meniscus injury, fractures, etc. ;
• certain metabolic diseases such as gout;
• certain inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis;
• certain infectious pathologies such as infectious arthritis.

People affected by knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a more common pathology with age. Experts estimate that it concerns 3% of the population before 45 years old, 65% after 65 years and 80% after 80 years. Osteoarthritis can occur at different levels of the body. Osteoarthritis of the knee, gonarthrosis, represents 30% of cases.

However, knee osteoarthritis can appear more prematurely. The people concerned have often suffered trauma caused by the practice of certain sports which put a lot of strain on the knees. 

Diagnostic de la gonarthrose

The diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis is generally based on:

• a clinical examination supported by a questioning in order to assess the type of pain, the discomfort felt or the mobility of the knee;
• medical imaging examinations to assess the condition of the joint and determine the nature of the knee osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis may involve a rheumatologist, a specialist in bone, muscle and joint disorders.

• Knee pain: The typical sign of knee osteoarthritis is knee pain, which is pain in the knee. This pain is discontinuous and said to be mechanical. This means that it occurs or becomes more pronounced during exercise, and attenuates or disappears during rest. 

  Knee pain may be slightly different depending on the affected joint. It is more common if gonarthrosis affects the femoro-tibial joint. When osteoarthritis affects the femoro-patellar joint, the pain is mainly concentrated in the front of the knee.

• Difficulty walking: Knee pain can cause difficulty in moving. In particular, walking, trampling and carrying a load can be particularly painful.
• Joint stiffness: After a long period of inactivity, especially after a night, the knees may appear to be blocked. It may take a few minutes for the joints to regain their mobility.

There is no definitive treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Management consists of relieving the symptoms. It is based on regular medical monitoring and can be supported by:

• wearing an orthosis, a device that will support joint function;
• the use of a cane if necessary;
• nutritional and dietary support in the event of overweight;
• medication with analgesics to relieve pain;
• corticosteroid injections if necessary;
• surgery as a last resort with the fitting of a knee prosthesis.

The prevention of knee osteoarthritis consists of limiting the risk factors as much as possible. It is therefore advisable to:

• maintain a healthy and balanced diet;
• practice regular physical activity, which includes both sports and walking;
• limit the pressure exerted on the joints by improving the ergonomics of the workstation, for example.