What is degenerative arthritis of the knee joint?

Degenerative arthritis of the knee, also known as hypertrophic arthritis or senile osteoarthritis, is a type of joint degeneration that occurs with aging. Its main manifestations include wear and tear of the articular cartilage, bone spurs around the joint, and symptoms such as pain and restricted movement resulting from these changes. This condition commonly affects middle-aged and elderly individuals, especially those who have long engaged in weight-bearing activities or overused their knee joints. The causes are complex and include changes in cartilage metabolism and nutrition, prolonged weight-bearing, uneven joint surfaces, chronic overuse injuries, and excessive body weight. In terms of treatment, options depend on the severity of the condition and may include nonsurgical approaches (such as rest, physical therapy, and medication) or surgical interventions (such as arthroscopic debridement or total knee replacement).