Living with osteoarthritis in the knees can be debilitating, causing pain and difficulty with everyday activities. Finding relief is crucial to improve your quality of life and mobility. Fortunately, there are various methods and treatments available to help manage and alleviate knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Early treatment can ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee and slow its progress. It happens when the cartilage that lines your joints is worn down or damaged and your bones rub together when you use that joint. A healthcare provider will help you find a combination of treatments to manage your symptoms.
Get treatment if you have symptoms of arthritis of the knee. Unfortunately, the effects of osteoarthritis of the knee can’t be reversed. But treatment and self-care can help relieve your symptoms and slow your condition’s progress. There is no cure for OA of the knee, but treatment can help relieve discomfort and slow the damage.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Regular exercise and physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, providing support and reducing stress on the joints. Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking can improve flexibility and range of motion while also helping to maintain a healthy weight.
Unfortunately, the research on this intervention is still mixed. Currently, there is low-level evidence showing that PRP injections may provide short- and medium-term pain relief for osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of arthritis. It occurs when the smooth, slippery cartilage that coats the endings of bones begins to deteriorate at a joint (where two bones meet). This wear and tear can increase friction, bone spurring, pain, and stiffness.
Next, inspect the surrounding skin for the presence and location of any scars from previous surgical procedures, overlying evidence of trauma, or any soft tissue lesions. To accurately diagnose osteoarthritis, a healthcare provider usually performs a comprehensive evaluation. During this process, they will examine the affected joint(s) and take a personal history of your symptoms. Applying hot or cold packs to the joints can relieve the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis in some people. A hot-water bottle filled with either hot or cold water and applied to the affected area can be very effective in reducing pain.
Weight Management
Stage 2 OA of the knee is considered a mild stage of the condition. However, they do note that supervised exercise (as in physical therapy or a fitness class) produces better outcomes than unsupervised exercise. When dealing with any health condition it’s important to also look after your mental wellbeing as this can impact your recovery. Osteoarthritis can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work to help recovery. How long you’re off will depend on the nature of your condition and your role at work.
There are various surgical options for treating OA of the knee. OA of the knee happens when the cartilage — the cushion between the knee joints — breaks down. By gathering these cells and injecting them into the knee joint, the hope is that they will give rise to new cartilage and reduce inflammation. While age is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis of the knee, young people can get it, too.
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for managing osteoarthritis in the knees. Excess weight can add pressure to the joints, increasing pain and discomfort. Losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on reducing knee pain and improving mobility.
Medication
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knees.
- Prescription medications: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or injections to help manage severe knee pain.
Surgery
If conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief, surgical options such as knee replacement surgery may be recommended by your healthcare provider. This procedure involves replacing damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components to improve function and reduce pain.
FAQs
- Can osteoarthritis in the knees be cured? Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, but symptoms can be managed effectively with the right treatment plan.
- What can I do at home to relieve knee pain? Applying ice packs, using heating pads, and wearing supportive footwear can help alleviate knee pain.
- How often should I exercise to help with osteoarthritis in the knees? Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to improve joint health and mobility.
