Options Available For Knee Arthritis Treatment

Millions of people are affected every year by arthritis. Typically it’s a result of normal again with simple wear and tear degenerative osteoarthritis accumulating over a period of years and at a certain point begins bothering a person chronically.

Other causes of knee arthritis may include acute trauma. This may occur from a motor vehicle accident, mountain biking, sports injury, etc. A cartilage injury may result or a soft tissue injury which can result in arthritis at an early age.

Additional generators of arthritis include more chronic exercise activities such as jogging. There may also be weight bearing or sporting activities in this category rather than non weight bearing activities like swimming or cycling.

What treatment options exist for the millions dealing with knee arthritis? Three objectives exist when dealing with arthritis of the knee.

1) Decrease pain

2) Stop the progression and maybe reverse arthritis

3) Avoid Surgery!

Typical onset of knee arthritis pain is insidious. Most people say “Where did this come from?” Initial treatment typically consists of over the counter medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen. These can be taken on an as needed basis and should not exceed manufacturer dosing recommendations. Narcotic medications may be utilized for short term exacerbations, however, chronic usage brings with it several side effects. Two medications that can potentially alter the course of arthritis are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Both are available over the counter and typically formulated together for optimal effect.

The second option for treatment is activity avoidance. This sounds strange, but if you happen to be a skier who frequents black diamond slopes, then shift to the easier slopes during times of discomfort. If you jog a lot and that activity becomes painful, start cross training with an activity that places less weight bearing stress such as cycling or swimming.

Physical therapy consists of strengthening the muscles around the knee in an effort to offload the stresses on the knee itself. This may decrease pain considerably and may allow the patient to either avoid surgery or substantially lengthen the time needed for a total joint replacement. Total joint replacements are not designed to last forever, so avoiding an eventual revision in 15 years or so is optimal.

Utilizing a cane may take sixty percent weight off of an arthritic knee. Knee braces called unloaders can take a lot of pressure off knee arthritis. There are three compartments of the knee which may cause arthritis. If one has arthritis in one compartment, then the unloader may be very effective.

Two types of injections are common for knee arthritis. The most common is cortisone, which bathes the arthritic knee with an anti-inflammatory solution for pain relief which may last for months and can be repeated. Cortisone doesn’t alter the arthritis disease, but it does control symptoms.

Injections of hyaluronic acid, like Synvisc, provide lubrication to the knee and can make the knee produce more of its own. This may produce knee pain relief for over a year. Stem cells may provide a promising knee injection substance, which could potentially alter the course of arthritis and regenerate cartilage while providing pain relief.

Learn more about Arizona pain doctors. Stop by Preferred Pain Center’s site where you can find out all about ourArizona pain clinic and what it can do for you.