The Chinese University of Hong Kong surveyed 426 adult men and 621 adult women, all aged 50 years and older, in Hong Kong in 2000. Among them, 17% of the men had persistent knee pain and 7% were diagnosed to have osteoarthritis of the knee; among women, 24% had persistent knee pain and 13% were diagnosed to have osteoarthritis of the knee.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is caused by degeneration of the synovial joint in the knee. Risk factors include:

• Excessive use leading to damage
• Overburdened by body weight
• Joint deformity
• Normal aging process
• Genetic factors

The degree of joint degeneration escalates with ageing and lack of proper care. Common symptoms affecting our daily life include:

• Pain
• Redness and warmth
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Acoustic feeling
• Muscle atrophy

Prevention:

• Keep oneself physically active
• Avoid obesity
• Use a cane, crutches, or a walker if necessary to avoid placing entire body weight on the knees.

Please refer to the link below for more understanding on Knee Osteoarthritis.

• 啟康物理治療中心. (2009). 膝部骨關節炎 Knee Osteoarthritis (OA Knee). (Chinese version)
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong. (2001, March 1). Osteoarthritis in Hong Kong Chinese - Prevalence, Aetiology and Prevention. (English version)