But treatment and self-care can help relieve your symptoms and slow your condition’s progress. Osteoarthritis of the knee happens when your knee joint cartilage wears out or is damaged. Articular cartilage is tough, rubbery tissue on the ends of your bones that lets you bend and move. Meniscal cartilage absorbs shock from pressure on your knee. Knee OA cannot be cured, but there are treatments to help manage the symptoms.
Are you struggling with knee pain due to osteoarthritis? This common condition affects millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort and limited mobility. Understanding the causes and treatment options for knee osteoarthritis is crucial in managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
The lateral tibiofemoral joint (outer side of the knee) is less commonly so. Anyone who has persistent knee pain, especially with swelling, should see a doctor. There are some things a person with knee arthritis should think carefully about. It happens when the protective cartilage that covers the bones wears away.
In 2019, the American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation updated their guidelines for treating and managing knee osteoarthritis. Treatments that are “strongly recommended” have more evidence of benefit than those that are “conditionally recommended.” You might always need pain medication to ease your symptoms. Many people find exercise and physical therapy helps their symptoms.
The knees can start to point toward each other or bend outward. The appearance of the knee can change during a flare and as damage progresses. RA can cause damage to the tendons, which join the muscle to the bone.
Capsaicin creams and ointments may cause redness and pain when you apply them. People should not use them if they have another health condition. A uric acid test can help to diagnose gouty arthritis. The symptoms may come and go in episodes, which can be related to your activity levels and even the weather.
What is Osteoarthritis?
You could have a gene linked to arthritis without knowing it and a virus or injury could trigger arthritis of the knee. People should always talk to their doctor about side effects before receiving these injections. However, there is no evidence to prove that these work for all people with arthritis. Surgical TreatmentsIf nothing else helps your pain, you and your doctor may decide surgery is needed. Drug TreatmentsSeveral medicines are available that can help ease your OA symptoms.
Joint swelling is common with RA, as it’s an inflammatory disease. For people with RA, the symptoms often start in the smaller joints. They are also more likely to be symmetrical, affecting both sides of the body. Botulinum is a toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage in your joints wears down over time. This can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees. As osteoarthritis progresses, it can impact your ability to perform everyday activities and decrease your overall quality of life.
Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
The most common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:
- Pain: Persistent knee pain, especially during movement or weight-bearing activities.
- Swelling: Inflammation and swelling around the affected knee joint.
- Stiffness: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee, particularly after periods of inactivity.
- Decreased range of motion: Limited mobility and flexibility in the knee joint.
Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis
While there is no cure for knee osteoarthritis, there are several treatment options available to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. These may include:
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and improve flexibility.
- Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to provide temporary relief from knee pain.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery such as arthroplasty or arthroscopy may be recommended to repair or replace damaged knee joints.
FAQs About Knee Osteoarthritis
Here are some frequently asked questions about knee osteoarthritis:
- Can knee osteoarthritis be prevented? While it cannot be prevented entirely, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding high-impact activities can help reduce your risk.
- How can I manage knee pain at home? Applying ice packs, using heat therapy, wearing supportive footwear, and using assistive devices like braces or canes can help alleviate knee pain.
- When should I see a doctor? If knee pain persists or worsens despite home remedies, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for knee osteoarthritis, you can take proactive steps to manage your condition and improve your overall quality of life. Don’t let knee pain hold you back – explore the various treatment options available and work with your healthcare provider to find a solution that works best for you.
