Osteoarthritis (OA), commonly known as wear-and-tear arthritis, is a condition in which the natural cushioning between joints & cartilage wears away. When this happens, the bones of the joints rub more closely against one another with less of the shock-absorbing benefits of cartilage. The rubbing results in pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased ability to move and, sometimes, the formation of bone spurs [1]. 

OA is the most common disease of the joints worldwide, with the knee being the most commonly affected joint in the body .The most common cause of osteoarthritis of the knee is age. Almost everyone will eventually develop some degree of osteoarthritis. However, several factors increase the risk of developing significant arthritis at an earlier age like obesity, heredity, female gender, repetitive stress injuries, athletics, weak muscles around the knee and other illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis etc [1,2].

Osteoarthritis is typically a progressive disease that may eventually lead to disability. The intensity of the clinical symptoms may vary from each individual. However, they typically become more severe, more frequent, and more debilitating over time. The rate of progression also varies for each individual [2].

Knee arthritis can make it hard to do many everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. It is a major cause of lost work time and a serious disability for many people [3]. 

A number of studies conducted in different parts of India reveal widespread ignorance about the osteoarthritis Knee among people. As this disease largely relies on prevention and the right information at the right time is essential to bring about a behavioral change when the population is most receptive. Hence, this study was undertaken with the objective to assess the knowledge of risk and preventive factors for osteoarthritis Knee among ortho OPD patients in civil hospital Rohru.

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the knowledge of patients attending Ortho OPD towards risk and preventive factors for osteoarthritis Knee in civil hospital Rohru.

Research Methodology

• Research approach: Descriptive

• Research design: Descriptive survey design

• Setting of the Study: Ortho OPD of civil hospital Rohru

• Study duration: Between Aug- December 2020

• Study Population: Ortho OPD patients in civil hospital Rohru.

• Sample size: 400 Ortho OPD patients

• Sampling technique : Convenience Sampling Technique

• Sampling criteria: First five patients attending the Ortho OPD of civil hospital Rohru everyday were selected till the completion of sample size after explaining the purpose of the study. Informed consent/assent was taken from them and confidentiality of the selected participants was also maintained 

• Inclusive criteria: Patients selected during the day of data collection in study setting and who were willing to participate in the study.

• Exclusion criteria: Patients who were not willing to participate in the study 

• Development of tool: Knowledge related questionnaires

• Description of Tool

Section A: Socio-demographic characteristics of the patients (Age, Gender etc.).

Sections B: Questions regarding knowledge of risk and preventive factors for osteoarthritis Knee.

• Validity of tool: by the experts in this field

• Permission: Obtained from the concerned head of the civil hospital

• Data collection by myself and patients was given 5 minutes time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time

• Data analysis with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage

The present study was Non-experimental descriptive study carried out to evaluate knowledge of risk and preventive factors for osteoarthritis Knee in civil hospital Rohru. 

In the present study 35% (140) of the Patients fall were below 40 years of age while 65% (260) were above 40 years. 54% (216) of patients were male and 46% (184) were female.

Among the total patients, 56(14.0%%) didn’t know about any risk factor of osteoarthritis Knee. 302 (75.5%) respondents told that Inadequate amounts of dietary calcium & vitamin D is the risk factor of osteoarthritis Knee ,followed by Bad posture and poor gait by 156 (39%), Repeated stress on the joint by101 (25.25%), Lack of physical activity by 89 (22.25%), Obesity by 86 (21.5%), Unhealthy diet by 48 (12%), Joint injury by 45 (11.25%), Muscle weakness by 23 (5.75%) and Bone deformity/Malpositioning of the joint e.g. valgus/varus posture by 21 (5.25 %) respondents (Table 1).

Among the total patients, maximum 345 (86.25 %) told that Calcium and Vitamin D supplements helps in Prevention of osteoarthritis Knee, followed by calcium-rich foods 216 (54%), Good posture and gait by 167 (41.75%), Greece capsule(glucosamine) by 153 (38.25%), Exercise & yoga by 148 (37%),Knee cap/Knee bracing by 99 (24.75%), Maintenance of ideal weight by 95 (23.75%) , Prevention of injury and stress to knee joint by 52 (13%) and healthily and balanced diet by 45 (11.25%) respondents. 62 (15.5%) respondents didn’t know about any preventive factor of osteoarthritis Knee (Table 2).

OA of the knee is a progressive condition in which cartilage breaks down around the bones in a joint. As time goes on, the bones will start to rub together, and bone spurs can develop. There will be increasing levels of pain and stiffness and possibly a loss of mobility [4].

In the present study maximum respondents 345 (86.25 %) told that Calcium and Vitamin D supplements helps in Prevention of osteoarthritis Knee, followed by calcium-rich foods 216 (54%), Good posture and gait by 167 (41.75%), Greece capsule(glucosamine) by 153 (38.25%), Exercise & yoga by 148 (37%),Knee cap/Knee bracing by 99 (24.75%), Maintenance of ideal weight by 95 (23.75%) Prevention of injury and stress to knee joint by 52(13%) and healthily and balanced diet by 45 (11.25%) respondents. 62 (15.5%) respondents didn’t know about any preventive factor of osteoarthritis Knee.

Table 1: Knowledge about risk factors of osteoarthritis Knee among participants

Table 2: knowledge of Participants Towards Prevention of Osteoarthritis Knee

Being overweight can put extra pressure on the joints, and excess fat stores in the body can cause further inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight can lessen the symptoms of osteoarthritis Losing even a small amount of weight, if needed, can significantly decrease knee pain from osteoarthritis [5,6].

Exercise has been proven to be effective as pain management and also improves physical functioning. Strengthening the muscles around the knee makes the joint more stable and decreases pain. Stretching exercises help keep the knee joint mobile and flexible. Joints need to be exercised regularly to keep them healthy. It’s very important to keep moving if you have osteoarthritis of the knee Exercise can strengthen the muscles around your knee, improve your posture and help you to lose weight, all of which can reduce the symptoms and pain of osteoarthritis [7,8].

A balanced, nutritious diet will give the body the tools it needs to prevent further damage to the joints, which is essential for people with osteoarthritis. Some foods are known to reduce inflammation in the body, and following an anti-inflammatory diet can improve symptoms. Eating enough antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, may help to prevent further damage to the joints [9,10].

Glucosamine is a natural amino monosaccharide, which can stimulate cartilage cells to produce proteoglycans with a multimeric structure, improve the repair ability of cartilage cells, and promote the repair and reconstruction of cartilage matrix, thereby delaying the disease of osteoarthritis progresses, so Glucosamine can be used for osteoarthritis in various parts of the body including the knee joint [11].

Getting enough sleep at night can also help in managing knee pain more effectively [12]. Assistive devices like knee caps /bracings can help relieve stress on joints. It takes weight off from knee or hip upon walking [13].

Still many respondents didn’t know about the risk as well as preventive factors of Osteoarthritis knee. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements Knee, calcium-rich foods, good posture and gait, Greece capsule (Glucosamine), Exercise & yoga, Knee cap /Knee bracing, Maintenance of ideal weight, Prevention of injury and stress to knee joint and healthily and balanced diet helps in Prevention of osteoarthritis Knees.

1. WebMD. "Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Degenerative Arthritis)." May 2021. WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ostearthritis-of-the-knee-degenerative-arthritis.

2. Physio-Pedia. "Knee Osteoarthritis." Accessed May 2021. Physio-Pedia, https://www.physio-pedia.com/Knee_Osteoarthritis. 

3. Ortho Info. "Arthritis of the Knee." Accessed May 2021. Ortho Info, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/arthritis-of-the-knee. 

4. Healthline. "Osteoarthritis." Accessed May 2021. Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis. 

5. Healthline. "Link Between Weight Loss and Knee Pain." Healthline, Accessed May 2021.https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/knee-pain/link-between-weight-loss-and-knee-pain.

6. Sharecare. "Obesity and Overweight Condition." Sharecare, Accessed May 2021.

https://www.sharecare.com/health/obesity-overweight-condition.

1. War Related Illness. "Exercise to manage pain." War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Accessed May 2021. https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/education/factsheets/exercise-to-manage-pain.pdf.

2. Physio-Pedia. "Exercise and activity in pain management." Physio-Pedia, Accessed May 2021.

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Exercise_and_Activity_in_Pain_Management.

1. Dmacupuncture. "What Is the best diet for osteoarthritis?" Accessed May 2021. DM Acupuncture, https://www.dmacupuncture.nyc/what-is-the-best-diet-for-osteoarthritis/. 

2. Bactmed. "What Is the best diet for osteoarthritis?" Bactmed, Accessed May 2021.

https://bactmed.bacttraining.com/what-is-the-best-diet-for-osteoarthritis/.

1. Medical Trend. "Glucosamine plus calcium can treat knee pain." Medical Trend, Accessed May 2021.

https://medicaltrend.org/2021/01/26/glucosamine-plus-calcium-can-treat-knee-pain/.

1. Healthline. "Sleep better with knee pain." Healthline, Accessed May 2021.

https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/sleep-better-knee-pain.

1. Keeogo. "Walking aids for leg weakness or knee problems." Keeogo, Accessed May 2021.

 https://keeogo.com/walking-aids-for-leg-weakness-or-knee-problems.