The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the current recommendations, efficacy and safety profile of different conservative treatments through a review of the literature. Managing osteoarthritis (OA) pain and maintaining your ability to do daily activities involves physical activity and exercise, weight loss, healthy lifestyle changes and over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications. When these don’t sufficiently relieve pain, surgery may be an option.
This may be useful in the setting where either the lateral or medial compartment of the knee is involved, such as in a valgus or varus deformity. Although knee osteoarthritis is closely correlated with aging, it is important to note that knee osteoarthritis is not simply a consequence of aging but rather its own disease. This is supported by the differences seen in cartilage with both osteoarthritis and aging.
Examples include Fit and Strong, a program targeted to older adults with osteoarthritis; the Arthritis Foundation’s Exercise Program (AFEP); and its Walk with Ease program. Those attending AFEP classes for eight weeks had less pain, stiffness, and fatigue, and these improvements persisted at least six months, as well. Based on the current literature available to date, a multidisciplinary and a multimodal approach with a key focus on exercise, weight loss and pharmacological pain management would be the most appropriate.
Not using your joints can cause your muscles to waste and may increase stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. Manual therapy is a technique where a physiotherapist uses their hands to stretch, mobilise and massage the body tissues to keep your joints supple and flexible. Some people with osteoarthritis may be offered steroid injections when other treatments haven’t worked.
They are structural components of articular cartilage, and the thought is that a supplement will aid in the health of articular cartilage. No strong evidence exists that these supplements are beneficial in knee OA; in fact, there is strong evidence against the use according to the AAOS guidelines. If the patient understands the evidence behind these supplements and is willing to try the supplement, it is a relatively safe option. Any benefit gained from supplementation is likely due to a placebo effect.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee. There are several treatment options available to help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve quality of life for those affected.
However, it should also be noted that available research trials have been criticised for publication bias and risk of selective reporting of outcomes in an analysis of randomised trials[92]. Clinical studies have affirmed the effectiveness of IACs as an adjunctive therapy for short-term pain relief and the effectiveness of IACs in the literature has varied from 4 wk up to 26 wk. A network meta-analysis of conservative treatments[51] concluded that IACs provided the greatest short-term pain relief from 4 to 6 wk. However, Yavuz et al[82] reported in a prospective study that all three IACs (methylprednisolone, betamethasone and triamcinolone) were effective but their benefits declined at week 12. Regarding the choice of corticosteroid administered, the literature has been mixed.
Medication
One of the most common treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joint. Corticosteroid injections may also be used to provide relief from symptoms. In some cases, hyaluronic acid injections can help lubricate the joint and improve mobility.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another important component of treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee joint. A physical therapist can work with patients to develop an exercise program that helps strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. They may also use techniques such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to help manage symptoms.
Surgery
In severe cases of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, surgery may be recommended. Procedures such as arthroscopy, osteotomy, or knee replacement surgery may be necessary to repair damaged cartilage, realign the joint, or replace the entire joint with a prosthetic. Surgery is typically considered a last resort when other treatments have not been effective.
In conclusion, there are several treatment options available for osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Medications, physical therapy, and surgery can all help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected by this condition. It is important for individuals with osteoarthritis to work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs.
