Living with osteoarthritis in the knees can be challenging, as the pain and stiffness can significantly impact one’s quality of life. However, there are various methods available to help manage and alleviate knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.
At this stage, a person is unlikely to experience discomfort or pain. There is no cure for OA, but there are ways to manage OA to minimize pain, continue physical activities, maintain a good quality of life and remain mobile. If other treatment options don’t work well, surgery may be recommended.
Exercise
“You want to make sure you’re stretching your hamstrings, quads, calves and hip flexors to help address any stiffness you might feel,” says Dr. Orlandi. Rubbery and flexible connective tissue known as articular cartilage covers and sits between bones that meet in your knee. The slippery tissue cushions the joint, serving like a shock absorber as you walk, run, jump and otherwise move around the world. Depending on the cause of your problem, he or she may refer you to a doctor specializing in joint diseases (rheumatologist), joint surgery (orthopedic surgeon) or sports medicine.
The concentration of platelets in the new mixture can be 5 to 10 times richer than in normal blood. Researchers say the shots promote healing and lessen inflammation, which should reduce pain and swelling. After suffering with osteoarthritis in her knees for 20 years, she tried HA injections in 2022.
The articular cartilage in your knee eventually starts to flatten and stiffen like an old chair pad. It aims to disable the nerves that are causing pain by heating them. While it’s gotten a lot of publicity, studies so far are limited to small groups of people. While still a new approach, a review in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine found “good to excellent overall outcomes” from 11 studies. The researchers noted that that some trials were tougher than others.
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining mobility and strength in the knees. Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking can help improve joint flexibility and reduce pain. Strength training exercises focusing on the muscles around the knees can also provide support and stability.
These therapies are mainly nonpharmacological, which means you don’t need to take medication for symptom relief. Joint inflammation, also known as arthritis, can be a possible cause of leg pain. Various types of arthritis can affect the lower extremities, such as the legs, hips, knees, and ankles. Choose the right kinds of activities — those that build the muscles around your joints but don’t damage the joints themselves. A physical or occupational therapist can help you develop an exercise program that’s right for you. PRP injections are developed by extracting blood from a person, then separating out the plasma, which is rich in platelets, from other parts through centrifugation.
Weight Management
It is a treatment that is not recommended because of the lack of standard dosages and preparation. Even though they’re popular with some high-profile athletes, PRP injections still aren’t proven, and the treatment formulations can vary a lot. Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, caus.. Reactive arthritis is chronic inflammatory arthritis categorised by swelling and.. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which causes extreme joint pa..
You may be prescribed capsaicin cream if you have osteoarthritis in your hands or knees and topical NSAIDs have not been effective in easing your pain. If osteoarthritis causes you pain and stiffness, you may think exercise will make your symptoms worse. In a few cases, where other treatments have not been helpful, surgery to repair, strengthen or replace damaged joints may also be considered.
Excess weight can put additional stress on the knees, exacerbating osteoarthritis symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise can help relieve pressure on the knees and reduce pain.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate knee pain. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary to manage severe pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can create a customized treatment plan to improve knee function and reduce pain. Therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve range of motion.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from knee pain and inflammation. Hyaluronic acid injections may also be recommended to lubricate the joint and reduce friction.
Surgery
In severe cases where conservative treatments have been ineffective, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged knee joints. This option is usually considered when other methods have not provided adequate pain relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can osteoarthritis knee pain be cured? Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, but symptoms can be managed effectively with proper treatment.
- Is it safe to exercise with osteoarthritis knee pain? Yes, low-impact exercises can help improve joint health and reduce pain.
- How long does it take to feel relief from treatment? The effectiveness of treatment varies for each individual, but many people experience relief within a few weeks of starting therapy.
