Any diet that is rich in whole foods and low in processed foods and saturated fats, is better for your overall health. A study from Michigan State University confirms that whole-food, plant-based diets could significantly improve function and pain in people with OA. The best way to learn and practice tai chi correctly is with an instructor. Look for a class at your local fitness center or ask your healthcare provider or physical therapist for a recommendation. Most joints in your body are synovial joints, including the knees. All your synovial joints help you to move and they are all susceptible to arthritis.
Dealing with knee arthritis can be a challenging and painful experience. However, there are several treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life for those suffering from this condition.
Medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These can help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected knee.
- Corticosteroids: Injected directly into the knee joint, corticosteroids can provide temporary relief from pain and swelling.
- Acetaminophen: This over-the-counter medication can help manage mild to moderate pain associated with knee arthritis.
Your GP, or possibly a physiotherapist, will discuss the benefits you can expect from a exercise programme and can give you an exercise plan to follow at home. Exercise is also good for losing weight, improving your posture and relieving stress, all of which will ease symptoms. Pay attention to your joints, whether sitting, standing or engaging in activity. If you have pain that lasts a few days after a workout, it’s certainly OK to back off a little. Workout equipment offers numerous ways to build strength through exercises such as leg presses, hamstring curls and quad extensions. That cartilage takes a beating, though, and small tears naturally develop as the malleable material grows more rigid over time.
It takes longer to start working than a corticosteroid injection, but the effect often lasts six months to a year. If you’re taking NSAIDs several times a day for long periods of time, Dr. Day advises reducing their use by maximizing the other treatment strategies. She also suggests trying a topical NSAID, such as diclofenac (Voltaren Gel®, Pennsaid®), which has fewer potential side effects.
Knee arthritis can be painful and affect your ability to walk or climb steps. And research shows it is a major contributor to both disability and time lost from work. Nonsurgical alternative treatments may provide pain relief for some people. Most supplements reduce inflammation from arthritis and protect the cartilage in the joints. Physical therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve functioning in people with arthritis. A doctor may consider using stronger pain relievers, such as opioids, for severe pain or if a person’s arthritis does not respond to other treatments.
Physical Therapy
Although there is no cure for knee arthritis, there are treatments available to help you to keep moving. In addition to the treatments your healthcare provider offers, there are safe and effective ways you can treat knee arthritis at home. This treatment aims to increase the range of motion and flexibility in a person’s joints. Symptoms such as stiffness and pain may worsen if a person is not consistently active.
Biologic treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections involve taking cells from your own body and re-injecting them into a painful joint. Some changes in your daily life can protect your knee joint and slow the progress of arthritis. There is no cure for arthritis but there are a number of treatments that may help relieve the pain and disability it can cause. Posttraumatic arthritis is form of arthritis that develops after an injury to the knee. For example, a broken bone may damage the joint surface and lead to arthritis years after the injury. Meniscal tears and ligament injuries can cause instability and additional wear on the knee joint which, over time, can result in arthritis.
Physical therapy is often recommended as a treatment for knee arthritis. A physical therapist can create a customized exercise plan that can help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
Surgery
- Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small camera into the knee joint to remove damaged tissue.
- Partial or total knee replacement: In severe cases of knee arthritis, surgery may be necessary to replace all or part of the damaged knee joint with a prosthetic implant.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing knee arthritis. Excess weight puts additional stress on the knee joint, exacerbating pain and inflammation. Losing weight through diet and exercise can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall joint health.
FAQs
Q: Are there any alternative treatments for knee arthritis?
A: Some people find relief from knee arthritis symptoms by trying acupuncture, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, or using hot and cold therapy.
Q: How long does it take to see improvement with these treatments?
A: The time it takes to see improvement varies depending on the severity of the arthritis and the chosen treatment. Some people experience relief within a few weeks, while others may take longer to notice a difference.
