Overview
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a degenerative joint disease that results in the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. OA is the most common form of arthritis and often occurs as a result of aging, joint injury, or overuse. It can lead to significant disability if not properly managed.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Lifestyle Modifications
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for reducing stress on the knee joint. Even a modest reduction in weight can relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Activity Modification
Avoiding high-impact activities (such as running or jumping) that exacerbate knee pain and opting for low-impact activities (e.g., swimming, cycling, or walking) can help manage symptoms.
Exercise
Regular, low-impact exercises can improve strength, flexibility, and joint function. Focus on strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles to provide better support to the knee joint.
Physical Therapy
Range of Motion Exercises
Stretching and strengthening exercises improve flexibility and help prevent the knee from becoming stiff.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint (quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles) can provide additional support and reduce pain.
Balance and Stability Training
Physical therapy may include exercises to improve balance and joint stability, reducing the risk of falls and further joint damage.
Medications
Pain Relievers
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Often used for mild to moderate pain relief.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can reduce inflammation and pain but should be used cautiously due to potential side effects (e.g., gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems).
Topical Medications
Topical NSAIDs:These can be applied directly to the knee and may offer pain relief with fewer systemic side effects compared to oral NSAIDs.
Capsaicin Cream: Made from chili peppers, capsaicin cream can help reduce pain when applied to the affected area.
Corticosteroid Injections
Intra-articular Steroid Injections:TSteroid injections into the knee can provide short-term relief from inflammation and pain, usually lasting a few weeks to months. These are not a long-term solution, as repeated use may have adverse effects on joint cartilage.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: These injections aim to improve lubrication and cushion the knee joint, mimicking the natural fluid found in healthy joints. Hyaluronic acid injections can provide relief for moderate OA cases and may last several months.
Assistive Devices
Knee Braces
A knee brace or sleeve can provide additional support, improve joint stability, and reduce pain during movement.
Orthotics and Shoe Modifications
Customized insoles or shoes can help with proper alignment and reduce stress on the knee joint.
Walking Aids
Crutches, canes, or walkers can be used to reduce the load on the affected knee, especially during flare-ups.
