But some treatments help reduce the severity of the symptoms and maybe keep the disease from getting worse. With the right treatment, you can get the relief you need to better manage your symptoms and stay active. This can help relieve symptoms, and it is less invasive than total knee surgery. However, if you have OA of the knee, you may still find that you will need a total knee replacement in the future. Some doctors are trying botulinum to help treat joint pain. The theory is that it might permanently deaden nerves and offer relief.
You can usually receive a knee injection in your doctor’s office. Always discuss the pros and cons of any treatment with your doctor before starting, so that you can make an informed decision. In addition, the ACR/AF strongly recommends avoiding the following, as there’s currently a lack of standardization in these treatments. Some people have used other types of injections for OA of the knee.
If joint pain or stiffness makes activity difficulty, work with a physical therapist to develop an exercise plan and find modifications that work for you. By stage four, non-invasive treatments and lifestyle changes may not be enough. Your healthcare provider may recommend an osteotomy or bone realignment surgery to reduce pain.
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with the knee being one of the most commonly affected joints. When it comes to treating knee osteoarthritis, there are several options available, but which one is the best?
Many options are available for treating osteoarthritis. A healthcare professional could help develop the best treatment plan for you. A healthcare professional may prescribe medications for osteoarthritis if OTC medications aren’t helping manage your symptoms. Depending on the type of prescription medication, these may be available orally, topically, or by injection. The guideline process included input from OA patients recruited through the Arthritis Foundation. A healthcare provider will diagnose osteoarthritis with a physical exam and imaging tests.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Prescription NSAIDs are longer-lasting, stronger doses of OTC NSAIDs. They help reduce inflammation, which could help relieve symptoms and increase mobility. For example, NSAIDs may cause significant side effects over time, such as gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems.
If you have osteoarthritis in your knees but you’re not suitable for knee replacement surgery, you may be able to have an operation called an osteotomy. This involves your surgeon adding or removing a small section of bone either above or below your knee joint. Most people with osteoarthritis need to manage their symptoms for the rest of their lives. Your healthcare provider will help you find the right combination of treatments to reduce your symptoms. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis (a condition that affects your joints). Healthcare providers sometimes refer to it as degenerative joint disease or OA.
For mild to moderate cases of knee osteoarthritis, non-surgical treatments are often the first line of defense. These may include physical therapy, weight loss, exercise, and over-the-counter pain medications. Physical therapy can help improve strength and flexibility in the knee joint, while weight loss can reduce stress on the joint. Exercise, such as walking or swimming, can also help improve symptoms.
The procedure is performed in about one hour, often in an office setting, and patients go home on the same day. Knee embolization fills an important gap in the list of treatments for osteoarthritis, a condition that has no cure. There’s also a newer type of joint replacement surgery called resurfacing. This uses only metal components and may be more suitable for younger patients. Your surgeon will discuss with you the type of surgery that would be best. However, surgery cannot be guaranteed to get rid of your symptoms altogether, and you may still experience pain and stiffness from your condition.
Medications
In addition to over-the-counter pain medications, your doctor may prescribe prescription-strength NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, or hyaluronic acid injections to help manage pain and inflammation in the knee joint. These medications can provide temporary relief and may be used in combination with other treatments.
Surgical Options
If non-surgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgery may be considered. Common surgical options for knee osteoarthritis include arthroscopic debridement, osteotomy, and knee replacement. Each of these procedures carries its own risks and benefits, so it’s important to discuss them with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
In conclusion, the best treatment for knee osteoarthritis will vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Whether you opt for non-surgical treatments, medications, or surgery, seeking early intervention can help improve outcomes and quality of life for those living with knee osteoarthritis.
