Chuseok Health Check: Spotting Knee Arthritis in Parents

Recognizing Early Signs of Knee Osteoarthritis During Chuseok

Holiday environments often worsen joint discomfort as older family members spend hours sitting in vehicles during long commutes and repeatedly squat or bend their knees while preparing food and cleaning. While many seniors dismiss joint pain as a normal part of aging, medical experts advise watching for specific behavioral changes.

Families should watch for several key warning signs that indicate a need for professional medical evaluation:

• Persistent knee pain even when walking on flat surfaces
• Difficulty or avoidance when climbing up and down stairs
• Needing to push off with hands or struggling to stand up from a chair in a single motion
• Frequent swelling or a lasting stiff sensation in the knee joint
• Slower walking speeds or shorter walking distances compared to previous habits
• Visible leg deformity, such as legs bowing inward into an O-shape

Treatment Options and Early Intervention

Osteoarthritis destroys the protective cartilage cushioning the joints, leading to severe pain and restricted movement if left untreated. Early-stage management relies on conservative treatments such as consistent physical activity, weight control, targeted medications, and physical therapy to slow disease progression. Conversely, advanced stages involving severe cartilage damage often require surgical interventions like artificial joint replacement, making early diagnosis critical for preserving joint function.

“If changes in daily life are detected, such as reduced walking distances or avoiding stairs, individuals should confirm their exact condition without delay,” Hur stated. Active weight management and conservative treatments started in the early stages help maintain joint function and slow the progression of the disease.