Listen to Your Joints – Don’t Miss the Early Signs of Degeneration

Knee and hip osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear or degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the joints. This condition is especially common in individuals over 50 years old. It can lead to pain, limited mobility and significantly impacting one’s quality of life. However, early detection and timely treatment can help relieve symptoms and slow down joint degeneration.

Early Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

• Knee pain: Discomfort around or within the knee joint, especially after walking or climbing stairs. Pain may start mildly and worsen over time, particularly in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
• Crackling or grinding sounds: Unusual joint noises during movement due to friction inside the joint; this may be accompanied by tenderness.
• Joint stiffness: A common early symptom, especially in the morning or after being sedentary.
• Limited range of motion: Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee during walking or getting up from a chair.
• Instability: A sensation of the knee “giving way,” making it difficult to walk or balance. In some cases, joint deformity may occur, affecting walking posture.

Early Symptoms of Hip Osteoarthritis

• Hip pain: Pain, especially around the groin or upper thigh. Patients may feel stiffness and find it hard to bear weight, or experience radiating pain down to the knee, especially when walking, climbing stairs, or sitting for extended periods.
• Popping or clicking: Hearing popping or clicking sounds in the hip during movement.
• Stiffness or limited mobility: Difficulty walking, sitting, or standing up. Pain tends to worsen with hip movement or physical activity.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition.

• Non-surgical Treatments, for mild to moderate cases, include:
  • Oral medications
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Muscle-strengthening exercises
  • Physical therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Hyaluronic acid injections
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell injections
• •Surgical Treatments, for severe cases or when other treatments fail, include partial or total joint replacement surgery. This is an effective option to help patients return to their normal lives and improve their quality of life.

How to Prevent or Slow Down Joint Degeneration

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight increases stress on joints, especially the knees and hips, accelerating cartilage wear and tear.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise enhances joint flexibility, strengthens surrounding muscles, and supports cardiovascular and metabolic health. It also aids in weight management.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake can help prevent or slow down joint degeneration.

The Advanced Arthritis & Arthroplasty Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital

The Bumrungrad Advanced Arthritis & Arthroplasty Center provides comprehensive care for knee and hip osteoarthritis — from early-stage diagnosis to advanced and complex cases. Our experienced orthopedic specialists work closely with a multidisciplinary team and utilize cutting-edge technology to ensure the highest standards of safety and treatment. 
Knee and hip osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear or degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the joints. This condition is especially common in individuals over 50 years old. It can lead to pain, limited mobility, and difficulties in daily life — significantly impacting one’s quality of life. Early detection and timely treatment can help relieve symptoms and slow down joint degeneration.


By The Advanced Arthritis & Arthroplasty Center – 3A