Knee arthritis comes in various forms, with degenerative knee osteoarthritis being the most common. According to data from Chinese University in 2001, nearly 20% of middle-aged men and women have experienced knee pain or discomfort, with approximately 10% of these patients diagnosed with degenerative knee osteoarthritis. The most common cause is aging, but other factors may also lead to earlier or more frequent occurrences of this condition, such as previous injuries like cruciate ligament issues, fractures, or other types of trauma.
In the early stages, patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis typically do not experience constant pain; they may occasionally have flare-ups, during which the joint feels warm and swollen. Generally, symptoms can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory pain medications, but over time, symptoms may recur. In the later stages, joint degeneration becomes more severe, and patients may experience additional symptoms, such as joint stiffness and an inability to fully extend or flex the knee.
If you notice any of the initial symptoms mentioned above, you may consider medication or non-surgical treatments. Currently, there is a new injectable treatment called high-concentration platelet-rich plasma therapy (APS). This therapy involves drawing blood from the patient, using a centrifuge to separate useful factors, and then injecting those factor-rich products into the joint to achieve anti-inflammatory effects and promote cartilage repair. According to early clinical data, APS is more effective than hyaluronic acid and has a longer duration of effect, making it a treatment option worth considering.
