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KNEE ARTHRITIS TREATMENTKnee arthritis typically affects patients over 50 years of age. It is more common in patients who are overweight, and weight loss tends to reduce the symptoms associated with knee arthritis. There is also a genetic predisposition of this condition, meaning knee arthritis tends to run in families. Other factors that can contribute to developing knee arthritis include trauma to the knee, meniscus tears or ligament damage, and fractures to the bone around the joint.Knee Arthritis Treatment options-- In its early stages knee arthritis is treated with conservative, non surgical measures-- Lifestyle modification including losing weight. Exercises can help increase range of motion and flexibility as well as help strengthen the muscles in the leg. Using supportive devices such as a cane, wearing energy-absorbing shoes or inserts, or wearing a brace or knee sleeve can be helpful. Physical and occupational therapy. Other measures may include applications of heat or ice, water exercises, liniments or elastic bandages. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture etc. Several types of drugs can be used in treating knee arthritis-- Anti-inflammatory medications Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate Corticosteroids Hyaluronate. Special medical treatments for RA include gold salt injections and other disease-modifying drugs. Surgical Treatment -- If your knee arthritis does not respond to these non operative treatments, you may need to have surgery. Arthroscopic surgery uses fiber optic technology to enable the surgeon to see inside the joint and clean it of debris or repair torn cartilage. An osteotomy cuts the shinbone (tibia) or the thighbone (femur) to improve the alignment of the knee joint. A total or partial knee arthroplasty replaces the severely damaged knee joint cartilage with metal and plastic. Cartilage grafting is possible for some knees with limited or contained cartilage loss from trauma or arthritis. Total knee replacement Partial knee replacement. Degenerative arthritis At a Glance • It is a joint inflammation that results from cartilage degeneration. • It can be caused by aging, heredity, and injury from trauma or disease. • The most common symptom of degenerative arthritis is pain in the affected joint(s) after repetitive use. • There is no blood test for its diagnosis. • The goal of treatment is to reduce joint pain and inflammation while improving and maintaining joint function. |
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