Living with osteoarthritis (OA) can be debilitating, especially when it affects major weight-bearing joints like the knees. Imagine dealing with chronic pain that worsens over time, making simple tasks like standing, walking, or sitting unbearable. This is the reality for many individuals diagnosed with Grade 3 OA of both knees, including one of my patients, Mr. Anant, whose journey I want to share with you today.

Meet Mr. Anant: Battling Chronic Knee Pain

Mr. Anant, a middle-aged man, has been experiencing relentless knee pain for the past 8 years. Initially manageable, his pain has intensified recently, reaching an unbearable 8/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) during prolonged standing. This escalation has severely impacted his daily life, especially activities requiring knee mobility such as climbing stairs and walking. Even sitting cross-legged has become excruciating due to the pain and stiffness in his knees.

Clinical Findings Paint a Challenging Picture

Upon examination, Mr. Anant’s knees exhibited several distressing signs typical of Grade 3 OA:

• Limited Range of Motion (KROM): Mr. Anant can flex his knees only between 10 to 100 degrees, significantly restricting his movement.
• Soft Capsular End Feel: This indicates joint stiffness and reduced elasticity of the knee joint capsule.
• Patellofemoral (PF) and Tibiofemoral (TF) Play: The left knee shows PF play Grade 2 and TF play Grade 3, while the right knee exhibits PF play Grade 3.
• Muscle Wasting: Notably, Mr. Anant has experienced severe wasting in his quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, and a particularly significant atrophy of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO).
• Posterior Capsule Tightness: Moderate tightness further limits his knee flexibility.
• Manual Muscle Testing (MMT): Despite these challenges, Mr. Anant maintains an overall Grade 6 strength.
• Muscle Tightness: Severe tightness in his hamstrings and rectus femoris complicates his rehabilitation efforts.
• Foot Posture Abnormalities: Reduced arches with calcaneovalgus (foot turned outward) are evident bilaterally.

Diagnostic Confirmation and Treatment Plan

Mr. Anant’s X-ray results confirm severe degeneration in both knees as of April 2024, with significant joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation (bone spurs), and subchondral sclerosis (hardening of bone beneath the cartilage). Additional mild degenerative changes were noted in his lumbar spine X-ray from 2019.

Addressing the Challenges with Comprehensive Care

Managing Grade 3 OA involves a multidimensional approach:

• Patient Education: Vital information on weight management, joint protection techniques, and adaptive strategies are provided to enhance Mr. Anant’s daily life quality and slow OA progression.
• Physio Therapy: Mr. Anant undergoes intensive physiotherapy focusing on strengthening exercises for his quadriceps and core muscles, as well as stretching to alleviate tightness in his hamstrings and rectus femoris.

VMO , IFT, Glutes, Hams, Calf, Gait

• Nutrition :
• Ergonomic Advice:

Mr. Anant’s Journey Towards Relief and Hope

While Mr. Anant’s journey with Grade 3 OA remains challenging, the integrated approach to his care has shown promising results. Over time, he has experienced a notable reduction in pain levels and an improvement in his ability to perform daily activities with more ease and comfort.

Conclusion: Empowering Through Knowledge and Support

Mr. Anant’s story underscores the importance of early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support for individuals living with OA. By sharing his experience, we hope to raise awareness and provide insights into managing this chronic condition effectively.

Final Thoughts: Moving Forward Together

If you or someone you know is struggling with knee pain or symptoms similar to Mr. Anant’s, you can feel free to contact us at Physio Active clinic. With early intervention and a holistic approach to treatment, it is possible to mitigate the impact of OA and improve overall well-being.

In conclusion, understanding Grade 3 OA of both knees requires Empathy, Education, and a commitment to comprehensive care. By sharing Mr. Anant’s journey, we hope to Help and Inspire others facing similar challenges and encourage proactive management of this pervasive condition at our Physio Active Clinic.