Prevalence of Knee Osteoarthritis Among Post Menopausal Women Across Ahmedabad City

BACKGROUND: One of the top five most incapacitating diseases that affects more than one-third of people over the age of 55, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is characterized by joint inflammation and a reparative bone response. It typically affects the knee. Menopause marks the termination of a woman’s menstrual cycles and involves a natural reduction in reproductive hormones. It is officially defined as occurring when 12 successive months have elapsed since the last menstrual period. After menopause cartilage showed progressive severe degeneration suggesting estrogen deficiency and it is a risk factor of cartilage degeneration of knee joint. METHODOLOGY: An Observational study was undertaken among 150 Post Menopausal Women between age group 45-60 years. A self-administered questionnaire, the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index has 24 items broken down into 3 subscales: pain, stiffness, and physical function. RESULT: Out of 150 Post Menopausal Women, there was moderate risk of developing osteoarthritis in most of the women with Mean Prevalence of 59.35%. Out of which Pain subscale was 59.6% , Morning Stiffness was 58% and Functional limitation was 59.4%. CONCLUSION: Prevalence rate of knee OA was estimated to be 59.35% among post menopausal women. The prevalence of knee OA increased with increasing age. Suitable steps should be taken to raise an awareness related to importance of daily exercise. Adequate treatment and physiotherapy should be given to manage pain, maintain mobility and minimize disability. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Womac, Postmenopausal women, Pain, Stiffness, Physical function