Every Chuseok, South Korea’s major harvest festival, I often hear my parents say, “I can’t walk as long as I used to,” or “My knees keep swelling.” With this year’s extended holiday, it’s an ideal time to spend with family and check on their knee health.
As we age, the cartilage that cushions our joints wears down and doesn’t regenerate, leading to a condition known as osteoarthritis. This degenerative disease is more than just pain—it’s a leading cause of disability among older adults, significantly impacting daily life. While traditionally associated with aging, osteoarthritis is increasingly diagnosed in younger people due to sports overuse or traumatic injuries.
Early symptoms include knee pain and swelling. At first, discomfort may only occur during prolonged walking or climbing stairs, easing with rest. But as the condition progresses, even short walks can trigger pain, and stiffness or discomfort may persist even at rest. In some cases, patients may develop an ‘O-shaped’ leg deformity (genu varum), which further complicates mobility and diminishes quality of life.
Osteoarthritis is diagnosed through imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, which classify the condition into stages. In stage 1, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or medications can often manage symptoms effectively. However, in stages 2 or 3, when pain becomes more persistent, treatments such as intra-articular injections, arthroscopy, proximal tibial osteotomy, or autologous bone marrow–derived stem cell injections may be considered. This therapy, recently recognized as an advanced medical technology, provides a minimally invasive option for pain relief and functional improvement, gaining attention as a promising treatment for mid-stage patients.
In end-stage osteoarthritis, where joint space is nearly gone and bones rub against each other, total knee replacement surgery is often necessary. This procedure involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial implant, and is most commonly performed in older patients. According to South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, over 96% of knee replacement surgeries in 2022 were performed on patients in their 60s or older.
This Chuseok, a holiday akin to Thanksgiving where families gather for extended celebrations, take time to assess your parents’ knee health. If they report pain, encourage early medical evaluation. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding squatting or cross-legged sitting, and steering clear of heavy lifting are key to preserving joint health. Regular exercise—at least three times a week—can also significantly support knee function and overall well-being.
Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
