A disorder called osteoarthritis (OA), also referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis, is characterised by the degradation of the cartilage and natural cushioning between joints. When this occurs, cartilage's functions as a shock absorber are diminished as the bones of the joints rub more tightly against one another. Pain, edoema, stiffness, a reduction in range of motion, and occasionally the development of bone spurs are the effects of rubbing [1]. 

The knee is the body part most frequently affected by OA, the most prevalent disease of the joints that affects joints all over the world. Age is the main contributing factor to knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition that almost everyone eventually develops. However, a number of factors, including weight, heredity, feminine gender, repeated stress injuries, sports, weak knee muscles, and other disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, etc., enhance the likelihood of acquiring serious arthritis at a younger age [1,2].

Osteoarthritis is frequently a disabling condition that worsens over time. Each person's clinical symptoms may manifest differently and to varying degrees. But over time, they usually get worse, happen more often, and become more crippling. Each person's rate of advancement is likewise unique [2].

Numerous daily activities, such as walking and climbing stairs, can be challenging for someone with knee arthritis. For many people, it is a significant cause of lost work time and a serious handicap [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 Theog.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

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

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

• Research Approach - Descriptive

• Research Design - Descriptive survey design

• Setting of the study - Ortho OPD of civil hospital Theog

• Study duration - August 2018 to October 2019

• Study population - Ortho OPD patients in civil hospital Theog

• Sample size - 400 Ortho OPD patients

• Sampling Technique - convenience Sampling Technique

Sampling Criteria

First five patients attending the Ortho OPD of civil hospital Theog 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 Theog. 

In the present study 26.25% (105) of the Patients fall were below 40 years of age while 73.75% (295) were above 40 years. 56.5% (226) of patients were male and 43.5% (174) were female.

Among the total patients, 62 (15.5%) didn’t know about any risk factor of osteoarthritis Knee. 332 (83%) 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 172 (43%), Repeated stress on the joint by 111 (27.75%), Lack of physical activity by 98 (24.5%), Obesity by 95 (23.75%), Unhealthy diet  by 53 (13.25%), Joint injury by 50 (12.5%), Muscle weakness by 25 (6.25%) and Bone deformity / Malpositioning of the joint e.g. valgus/ varus posture by 23 (5.75 %) respondents.

In OA of the knee, the cartilage that surrounds the bones in the joint gradually deteriorates. Bone spurs may form as a result of the bones rubbing against one another over time. There will be a worsening of the pain and stiffness, as well as perhaps a loss of movement [4].

In our survey, maximum 330 patients (82.5%) reported that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements helps prevent osteoarthritis in the knee. This was followed by calcium-rich foods (238 patients, 59.5%), good posture and gait (184 patients, 46%), Greece capsules (glucosamine) (163 patients, 40.75%), exercise and yoga (163 patients), knee caps/knee bracing (109 patients, 27.5%), maintaining a healthy weight (105 patients, 26.5%), and in our study, 68 (17.0%) participants claimed not to be aware of any osteoarthritis knee prevention measures.

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 additional strain on the joints, and having an abundance of body fat can exacerbate inflammation. The signs of osteoarthritis might be lessened by maintaining a healthy weight. If necessary, weight loss of even a little amount might dramatically lessen osteoarthritis-related knee pain [5,6].

Exercise has been shown to increase physical functionality as well as be an efficient pain reliever. Knee stability and discomfort are improved by strengthening the muscles around the knee. Exercises that stretch the muscles around the knees maintain them flexible and fluid. Regular exercise is necessary to maintain the health of your joints. Keeping active is crucial if you have osteoarthritis in your knees. Exercise can help you lose weight, strengthen the muscles around your knee, and improve your posture, all of which can lessen osteoarthritis symptoms and pain [7,8].

For those with osteoarthritis, a balanced, nutrient-rich diet will provide the body with the means to stop additional joint deterioration. An anti-inflammatory diet can help symptoms since some foods are proven to inhibit inflammatory processes in the body. Consuming enough antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, may help stop additional joint deterioration [9,10].

Natural amino monosaccharide glucosamine can encourage cartilage cells to create proteoglycans with a multimeric structure, enhance cartilage cells' capacity for repair, and promote the repair and reconstruction of cartilage matrix, delaying the onset of cartilage degeneration. Osteoarthritis is a progressive illness; thus, glucosamine can be used to treat it in different places of the body, including the knee joint [11].

Additionally, getting enough sleep at night can aid in more successful knee pain management [12]. Knee caps and braces are examples of assistive devices that can lessen joint tension. Walking relieves pressure on the knee or hip [13].

Many of the responders were still unaware of the risk and protective factors for osteoarthritis of the knee. Vitamin D and calcium supplements knee, meals high in calcium, good gait and posture, Capsule on Greece (glucosamine), 

Yoga and exercise Knee bracing, maintaining a healthy weight, protecting the knee joint from damage and stress, and eating a balanced, healthy diet all aid in preventing osteoarthritis in the knees.

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11. "Glucosamine plus calcium can treat knee pain." Medical Trend, 26 Jan. 2021, https:// medicaltrend. org/ 2021/ 01/26/ glucosamine-plus-calcium-can-treat-knee-pain/. Accessed 27 May 2022.

12. "Sleep better with knee pain." Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/sleep-better-knee-pain. Accessed 29 May 2022.