South Korea has now entered a super-aged society, with over 20% of the population aged 65 or older. This means that more than two out of every ten people in the country are elderly. As life expectancy increases, the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases have become more crucial.
One of the most common age-related diseases is knee osteoarthritis. Between the bones in the knee joint, there is cartilage that serves as a protective cushion. Over time, this cartilage naturally wears down, and when the bones begin to make direct contact, it causes pain, leading to osteoarthritis.
In addition to pain, symptoms include a creaking sound when moving the knee, a feeling of stiffness, and swelling.
Professor Sim Jae Ang of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Gachon University Gil Medical Center explained, “Knee osteoarthritis not only causes mobility issues but is also linked to systemic conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and dementia. Chronic pain can even lead to depression, making it a personal health issue as well as a family and societal concern.”
The primary cause of osteoarthritis is aging, but excessive use, injuries, and genetic factors also contribute. The older a person is and the more weight they carry, the greater the knee strain, accelerating cartilage degeneration. Additionally, individuals with a family history of arthritis are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
According to South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service’s National Disease Interest Statistics, about 4.3 million people sought medical treatment for osteoarthritis in 2023, with approximately 90% being in their 50s or older.
When pain begins, many people wonder whether surgery is necessary. However, experts emphasize that even if osteoarthritis is visible in X-rays or MRI scans, not all patients require surgery.
Professor Park Do Jun of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, stated, “Surgery is considered only when symptoms do not improve with other treatments or when the damage is severe.”
In other words, surgery is the last resort after non-surgical treatments like medication and lifestyle changes have been exhausted.
However, Park cautioned, “The longer the condition worsens, the more difficult post-surgery recovery becomes, so if surgery is necessary, it should not be delayed. After surgery, a structured rehabilitation process is essential to restore knee function and strengthen muscles. Proper rehabilitation is just as important as the surgery itself in maximizing its effectiveness.”
The most common surgical treatment is joint replacement. It’s popular because patients can walk and move right after the procedure. However, since various surgical treatments are available, the choice should be based on the severity and stage of osteoarthritis and the patient’s activity level.
Shim reassured patients, stating, “Although there are concerns about the lifespan of artificial joints, recent studies have reported durability of over 20 years, and advancements in revision surgery techniques mean there is little need for excessive worry. While daily activities and even some sports are possible after artificial knee replacement, squatting and high-impact activities that strain the artificial joint excessively should be avoided.”
He further emphasized, “Knee osteoarthritis is an inevitable part of aging. Instead of trying to avoid aging altogether, it is more important to focus on aging well.”
Non-surgical treatments include lifestyle modifications, exercise, and medication. Experts particularly stress avoiding the squatting posture. Due to Korea’s traditional floor-sitting culture, many people are accustomed to squatting, but this position places approximately 15 times more pressure on the knees than standing.
In addition, exercises such as swimming and walking help strengthen the thigh muscles, improving knee stability. Choosing appropriate footwear that does not strain the knees is another effective way to prevent osteoarthritis.
