Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the most common areas affected by osteoarthritis is the knee joint. This degenerative joint disease can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the knee, making it difficult to perform daily activities. Fortunately, there are several methods available to help relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength in your knee and to restore range of motion. Depending upon your procedure, you may need to wear a knee brace, or use crutches or a cane for a time. Several types of drugs are useful in treating arthritis of the knee.
People with stage 3 OA will also continue to receive NSAIDs or acetaminophen. Other glucocorticoids that may be prescribed for knee OA include hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) and prednisolone. Cortisone is available as a pharmaceutical drug, but it’s also produced naturally by your body. Protect your joint from exertion by avoiding kneeling, squatting, or jumping. A variety of options, from walking to swimming, are considered beneficial. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
Even people who aren’t overweight will benefit from exercise. Bone spurs are bony growths that often develop where bones meet each other in the joint. There might be minor loss of cartilage but not enough to compromise the joint space. The doctor will examine the joints, test their overall range of motion, and check for damage. They will pay close attention to any areas that are tender, painful, or swollen.
Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for managing knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, providing support and stability. Additionally, exercises that focus on improving flexibility and range of motion can help reduce stiffness and improve overall function.
The knee joint shows no signs of OA and the joint functions without any impairment or pain. OA that has become this advanced is likely to cause significant pain and disrupt joint movement and function. Another mistaken belief is people cannot exercise because they are too stiff. Turkas recommended that people focus on their range of motion and start with small movements that they increase over time.
Weight Management
OA of the knee is a progressive condition in which cartilage breaks down around the bones in a joint. A person may start to notice stiffness and joint pain, especially after resting for a while. At this stage, a person is unlikely to experience discomfort or pain.
Excess body weight can put added stress on the knee joint, worsening symptoms of osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help alleviate pressure on the knees and reduce pain. Even a small amount of weight loss can make a significant difference in managing knee pain and improving mobility.
Varicosities typically develop in the legs but can also occur in the rectum and scrotum. Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) may contribute to a higher risk of cognitive decline, according to a new study by scientists from the U.S. and China. Research is ongoing, but several studies have found PRP to pack a powerful healing punch more effective than HA injections. GPs no longer prescribe chondroitin and glucosamine on the NHS because there’s no strong evidence that they are effective as a treatment.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint. In some cases, prescription medications like corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections may be recommended to provide additional relief. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication regimen for knee pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. A physical therapist can create a customized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function. They may also use modalities like heat or ice therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to help reduce pain and swelling.
In conclusion, there are various strategies available to help manage knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. By incorporating exercise, weight management, medication, and physical therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals can find relief from pain and improve their quality of life. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for addressing knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.
