Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by the degeneration of the cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are several clinical treatments available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Treatments will vary, depending upon what exactly is causing your knee pain. A review of 16 studies published in 2016 in the journal Joint Bone Spine found that the results were conflicting and the studies were too small to draw conclusions. It is a treatment that is not recommended because of the lack of standard dosages and preparation. Adequate patient selection as well as proper evaluation of all three knee sections are essential for a favorable postoperative outcome (48,49).
Non-Surgical Treatments
When this happens, the bones of the joints rub more closely against one another with less of the shock-absorbing benefits of cartilage. The rubbing results in pain, swelling, stiffness, less ability to move, and, sometimes, the formation of bone spurs. The articular cartilage structure comprises proteoglycans, type II collagen, water, and chondrocytes. Normal articular cartilage structure sustains a balance between all components, the synthesis correcting any cartilage impairments. In OA, degradative enzymes also known as matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are upregulated, causing an imbalance that leads to proteoglycan and collagen loss.
1. Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. A physical therapist can design a customized exercise program to help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
Since our last review on animal models of osteoarthritis in 2016, there have been exciting updates in OA research and models. The main purpose of this review is to update the latest animal models and key features of studies in OA research. For severe clinical illness that has not responded to conservative treatment, joint replacement surgery should be considered.
In the meantime, there are several “senolytics” known, which have the potential to qualify as therapeutic agents to treat OA. The guideline recommends exercise, tai chi, and self-efficacy or self-management programs as first-line treatments. Exercise and tai chi slightly improve pain and function in knee and hip OA. No particular exercise is superior, although most studies used aerobic exercise.
2. Weight Management:
Excess weight puts additional stress on the knee joint, exacerbating symptoms of osteoarthritis. Losing weight through a combination of diet and exercise can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Exosome injections partially improved the gait abnormality patterns in an OA mouse model57, and MSC secretome injections provided early (day seven) pain reduction in treated mice58. All together, these data support the translational potential of this regenerative approach. The promisingin vitro andin vivo results support the potential of this new treatment strategy, opening up new perspectives for cell component-based therapies. EVs are proposed as next-generation biomarkers to predict the pathophysiological state of the joint55, assigning an important role for EVs in future therapies for the treatment of joint disorders.
Biological fixation is an attractive option to increase the durability of TKA, particularly for young subjects, due to improvements in biotechnologies and biomaterials with increased osteo-conductive characteristics. CPGs are not meant to be stand-alone documents, but rather serve as a point of reference and educational tool for both healthcare professionals managing patients with OA of the knee and orthopaedic surgeons. CPGs recommend accepted approaches to treatment and/or diagnosis and are not intended to be a fixed protocol for treatment or diagnosis. Patient care and treatment should always be based on a clinician’s independent medical judgment, giving the individual patient’s specific clinical circumstances. It provides the highest quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level best treat patients in their daily practices. The AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments, and related musculoskeletal health care issues and it leads the health care discussion on advancing quality.
Surgical Treatments
1. Arthroscopic Surgery:
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the removal of damaged tissue from the knee joint. This can help relieve pain and improve function in some patients.
2. Total Knee Replacement:
In severe cases of osteoarthritis, a total knee replacement may be necessary. During this procedure, the damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant, restoring function and reducing pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is medication effective in treating osteoarthritis of the knee?
- Are there any alternative treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee?
Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint.
Some people find relief from symptoms through acupuncture, yoga, or dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
Ultimately, the best clinical treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee will depend on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of the patient. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
