If OA is causing pain and stiffness in your knee joint, the first step is to ask your doctor to help you come up with an individualized treatment plan. Early intervention is the best way to stop joint damage from getting worse — and more painful — over time. The condition is progressive, meaning that it gets worse over time. That said, treatment options may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and boost your quality of life. A range of treatment options can help you manage OA in the early stages, but advanced OA can have a significant impact on your mobility and quality of life. But as research findings on the effectiveness of these injections come under scrutiny, medical experts voice a chorus of skepticism.
If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in your knee, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected joint.
Treatment of pre-OA will vary and depends on other health factors. Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes. The doctor will examine the knees, moving them forward and back to note the range of motion and to find out which movements cause pain. Unfortunately, none of these will reverse or slow the progression of joint damage caused by osteoarthritis. If fluid has accumulated in the joints, your doctor may remove some of the fluid (called joint aspiration) for examination under a microscope to rule out other diseases. Osteoarthritis — also called OA — usually does not affect other joints unless previous injury , excessive stress or an underlying disorder of cartilage is involved.
But several things increase the risk of having significant arthritis at an earlier age. While there are many treatment options for knee OA, including conservative at-home therapies, medication, and surgery, what works for each person will be unique. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for you. It’s painful, impairs movement and causes swelling of the joint. Some people are so disabled by it that they can’t work anymore. Meanwhile, for others, the pain isn’t necessarily as bad, but it still prevents them from regular activities like cleaning, gardening and running after their kids.
What Causes Osteoarthritis in the Knee?
Experts have identified some genes that might cause arthritis, including arthritis of the knee. They predict that there are more genes not yet discovered. You could have a gene linked to arthritis without knowing it and a virus or injury could trigger arthritis of the knee. Over 50 million adults have arthritis, as do 300,000 children. It’s unclear how many of those people have arthritis of the knee.
If they are not enough, your practitioner may prescribe pain medication for you. You may need hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid injections into the joints for pain relief. Most likely your doctor will order X-rays of one or both knees.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common condition that’s caused by cartilage that breaks down between the joints of the knee. Your doctor may suggest trying non-medication options to help ease your symptoms before considering drugs or surgery. This article will look at what causes osteoarthritis of the knee, how it’s treated, and what types of lifestyle changes may help improve your symptoms. Try to maintain a healthy weight and avoid activities that put a lot of stress on your knees. Get treatment if you have symptoms of arthritis of the knee.
Osteoarthritis in the knee occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This can be due to a combination of factors, including aging, genetics, obesity, previous knee injuries, and overuse of the joint.
Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis in the Knee
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee can help support the joint.
- Weight Management: Losing weight can reduce the strain on your knee joint.
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage symptoms.
Surgical Options:
- Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure to remove damaged tissue.
- Total Knee Replacement: Removing the damaged knee joint and replacing it with an artificial implant.
FAQs About Osteoarthritis in the Knee
Can osteoarthritis be cured?
No, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed with treatment.
Will I need surgery for osteoarthritis in my knee?
Not everyone with osteoarthritis will require surgery. Non-surgical treatments are often effective in managing symptoms.
Is exercise safe for osteoarthritis in the knee?
Yes, low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling can help improve joint function and reduce pain.
