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Understanding Knee Degeneration & Arthritis: X-ray Findings Explained

What does “joint space narrowing” mean in a knee X-ray?

Joint space narrowing describes the reduction in the gap between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). On an X-ray, this often indicates loss of cartilage — the smooth tissue that cushions the knee joint.

  • Implication: Suggests arthritis or “wear and tear.”

  • Treatment Options:

    • Regenerix Gold (joint health supplement to support cartilage)

    • Physiotherapy (at The Pain Relief Practice, Orchard Road)

    • Shockwave Therapy (for stimulation of repair)

    • HotHeal Therapy (manual + radiofrequency approach)

    • MRI (at The Pain Relief Clinic) if the degree of cartilage damage needs clearer assessment

What are “osteophytes” in the knee?

Osteophytes are bony spurs that develop along the edges of the joint. They form as the body’s attempt to stabilize the worn-out joint.

  • Implication: Often associated with stiffness, grinding sensation, and visible “knobbly” knees.

  • Treatment Options:

    • Non-surgical therapies like physiotherapy, shockwave, or HotHeal

    • Supplements like Regenerix Gold for long-term joint health

    • MRI can help exclude other causes such as meniscal tears

What is “subchondral sclerosis”?

This refers to increased bone density just beneath the joint surface. It develops as cartilage thins and more stress is transmitted to the bone.

  • Implication: A sign of moderate to advanced arthritis.

  • Treatment Options:

    • Targeted physiotherapy and strengthening

    • Shockwave Therapy to stimulate bone and soft tissue repair

    • Regenerix Gold for long-term cartilage and joint protection

    • MRI (Pain Relief Clinic) if symptoms are worse than X-ray suggests

What are “subchondral cysts”?

These appear as fluid-filled pockets in the bone beneath the joint surface. They occur due to microfractures and fluid seepage.

  • Implication: Suggests cartilage wear and ongoing joint stress.

  • Treatment Options:

    • Regenerix Gold (cartilage protection and joint health support)

    • Physiotherapy and HotHeal Therapy

    • MRI if pain is disproportionate, to assess for hidden cartilage or meniscal injuries

What is “patellofemoral joint arthritis”?

This is arthritis of the kneecap joint (patella meeting the femur). Patients often feel pain when climbing stairs, standing from sitting, or squatting.

  • Implication: May explain front knee pain even if other joint areas look normal.

  • Treatment Options:

    • Physiotherapy at The Pain Relief Practice for patellar tracking exercises

    • Shockwave Therapy or HotHeal Therapy for pain relief and tissue repair

    • MRI (Pain Relief Clinic) if cartilage loss is suspected behind the kneecap

What does “varus or valgus deformity” mean?

  • Varus deformity: Knees angling inward (bow-legged).

  • Valgus deformity: Knees angling outward (knock-kneed).

  • Implication: These deformities put uneven stress on the knee joint, speeding up arthritis progression.

  • Treatment Options:

    • Physiotherapy for gait and muscle balance

    • Shockwave or HotHeal for pain control

    • Regenerix Gold for long-term joint support

    • MRI (Pain Relief Clinic) for severity assessment before considering surgery

What is “meniscal calcification / chondrocalcinosis”?

This refers to calcium deposits in the meniscus (the shock absorber cartilage in the knee).

  • Implication: Associated with stiffness, catching sensation, or pseudo-gout.

  • Treatment Options:

    • Non-invasive therapies like physiotherapy, shockwave, HotHeal

    • Supplements like Regenerix Gold

    • MRI for meniscal integrity and other hidden injuries

What is a “suprapatellar effusion”?

This means fluid in the knee joint, often seen as a “swollen knee.”

  • Implication: Can occur with arthritis, injury, or inflammation.

  • Treatment Options:

    • Physiotherapy and shockwave for underlying causes

    • HotHeal Therapy for reducing pain and swelling

    • MRI (Pain Relief Clinic) to evaluate for ligament or cartilage injury

✅ Key Takeaway

X-ray findings such as joint space narrowing, osteophytes, sclerosis, cysts, and deformities point towards knee degeneration and arthritis. While these changes are common with age, timely treatment with non-surgical therapies (physiotherapy, shockwave, HotHeal) and supplements like Regenerix Gold can reduce symptoms and delay progression.

When symptoms are severe or unclear, MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic can give a more complete picture to guide safe, effective treatment.

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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a very common progressive disease caused by excessive wear and tear of our joints. It usually affects people the latter half of their lives affecting most commonly the spine, hips, knees and hands.

Signs and symptoms:

In this condition, the cushioning structures of our joints i.e the cartilage which normally functions to allow our bones to glide smoothly over one another becomes worn with time.
Unfortunately with the lack of cushioning, the bones begin to  rub together, causing inflammation at the joint surfaces swelling, pain and ultimately stiffness. This has a direct impact on the range of motion of the joints. In some severe cases, joint deformity can occur leading to poor alignment or Herberden’s node forming.

Causes:

The eitiology of this condition is not conclusively known; but it is associated with aging. Although more commonly found in older populations, osteoarthritis can affect younger people as a result of a genetics (juvenile arthritis) or as a result of previous trauma to a joint, i.e a fracture. Experts  deem that mechanical, chemical and metabolic factors may also play a considerable role in this process. Another important consideration is an individual weight; as many of the joint such as the knees and hips are weight bearing joints, excessive loading with obesity can speed up this degenerative process.
Work ergonomics and hazards may also cause excessive stress on joints leading to an acceleration of arthritis of such joints.

What may be the preventive cares:

  • Try to avoid repetitive motions which may stress and wear joints down
  • Exercising often will keep joints supple and lubricated
  • Maintain a healthy weight and diet
  • Gentle and regular range of motion exercises can definitely increase your flexibility and reduce stiffness at joints

Recommended medications

There are many medications available, but among the most prominent:
1) Anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal drugs that can relieve you from your pain, swelling and inflammation. Although it is a good reliever of all these symptoms, its long term use can cause stomach problems, in the form of ulcers and bleeding and heart problems.
2) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for reducing only pain, not inflammation. This also has some side effects including liver damage in alcoholic patients.

Advice from a  medical practitioner should always be taken before taking any medication.