In addition, weight loss will likely involve changes in your diet, including plenty of produce, a variety of protein sources, and the avoidance of excess sugar, salt, and alcohol. A dietitian may be able to help tailor a sustainable, well-balanced diet plan to trim those extra pounds and promote better overall health. Sit at the front of the chair, knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Lean back in a half-reclining position with your arms crossed and your hands on your shoulders. Keeping your head, neck, and back straight, bring your upper body forward, and then stand up slowly.
Vitamin E supplementation is safe when appropriate doses are administered (51). In a previous review, Kappus and Diplock summarized the tolerance, toxicological considerations and safety of vitamin E (52). Doses of 100–300 mg/day were concluded to be well tolerated and to cause no side effects. As an alternative to oral administration, vitamin E could also be administered by intra-articular injection. If the treatment options described in this article do not adequately reduce knee arthritis symptoms, then a health care provider may recommend considering medications, therapeutic injections, or surgery. An exercise program can increase the strength and flexibility of the muscles surrounding the knee.
There have been a few research articles that have shown in randomized controlled trials that Tai Chi is very useful in the management of knee pain due to osteoarthritis. For the majority of you, the cartilage was not worn away because of a mechanical process. I’ll be brief here because I wrote an extensive article on osteoarthritis causation here.
Most people have frequent pain when moving, walking, or doing other activities that use the joints. Stiffness in the joints may be worse in the morning and after prolonged sitting. Your healthcare provider may do a physical exam and order an MRI, X-rays, and laboratory tests if there is a concern about your joints. You should discuss all of the treatment options for pre-OA with your healthcare provider. It can take anywhere from several months to several years to reach an advanced stage of OA.
Are you looking for ways to halt the progression of your knee osteoarthritis? This common condition, characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone, can be debilitating if left untreated. Here are some strategies to help prevent your knee osteoarthritis from worsening:
Stay Active
For pain, most doctors recommend the use of NSAIDs or acetaminophen. A person should discuss long-term use with a healthcare professional due to the potential side effects of each type of medication. However, researchers are getting closer to understanding the underlying mechanisms of OA.
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining joint health and preventing stiffness in the knees. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, or walking can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine.
You are not wearing away your knee by walking, stretching, weight training, or exercising. If your pain level is a 3-4 or lower, you should probably keep going. Her knee felt stiff and achy, but the pain wasn’t severe. This followed a weekend-long tennis tournament and a long hike with her friends, so she wrote it off to over-exertion. The amount of cartilage in the affected joints in stage four is much lower—and in some cases, it may be completely gone.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight puts added stress on the joints, especially the knees. Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly reduce the strain on your knees and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Use Proper Footwear
Wearing supportive shoes with good cushioning can help reduce the impact on your knees when walking or exercising. Avoid high heels or shoes with inadequate support, as they can worsen knee pain and discomfort. Consider using orthotic inserts for additional support.
Manage Pain and Inflammation
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate knee pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Topical creams or patches containing menthol or capsaicin may also provide temporary relief.
FAQs
- Can knee braces help prevent osteoarthritis progression?
- Is surgery necessary to stop knee osteoarthritis from progressing?
Knee braces can provide support and stability to the joint, but their effectiveness in preventing osteoarthritis progression is inconclusive. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if a knee brace is appropriate for your condition.
Surgery may be recommended in severe cases of knee osteoarthritis that do not respond to conservative treatments. However, most individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis through lifestyle modifications and non-invasive treatments.
