Arthritis is a common cause of knee problems, but if you have arthritis, you know that it can cause issues beyond physical pain and affect your life in other ways.
In fact, studies have found that many people with arthritis also experience “fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, social isolation, loss of work, financial difficulty, and a general deterioration in quality of life.” I’ve witnessed this suffering first-hand in many of my orthopedic knee surgery patients over the years, but you don’t have to accept it as an inevitability – relief IS available.
That’s why finding the right arthritis knee treatment for you is so important. Arthritis can’t be reversed, but treatments can reduce pain and help you move better. When considering your options for arthritis knee treatment, keep in mind that the main goals of treatment are to relieve pain and return mobility, but the effects can be far greater on your life.
The general place to start when you want to treat arthritis of the knee is with your primary care doctor, who can diagnose and provide basic treatment for arthritis of the knee. If your symptoms don’t improve or get worse, your PCP may refer you to an orthopedist, rheumatologist, or orthopedic surgeon, depending on the level of care needed.
Here are the typical treatment options when it comes to arthritis of the knee:
- Weight loss – Even losing a small amount of weight can sometimes significantly decrease your knee pain from arthritis
- Exercise – Stretching exercises can help keep the knee joint mobile and flexible. Strengthening exercises help make the knee joint more stable and decrease pain.
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs – This includes over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen sodium (Aleve). If over-the-counter medications don’t provide relief after more than a week and half, consult with your doctor who may choose to give you a prescription anti-inflammatory.
- Injections – Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. Hyaluronic acid is normally present in joints as a type of lubricating fluid. Both are injections used to treat knee arthritis.
- Braces – There are two types of braces: “unloader” braces, which take the weight away from the side of the knee affected by arthritis; and “support” braces, which provide support for the entire knee.
- Therapy – If you are having trouble with daily activities, physical or occupational therapy can help:
- Physical therapy – Physical therapists teach you ways to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility in your joint.
- Occupational therapy – Occupational therapists teach you ways to perform regular, daily activities, such as housework, with less pain.
- Surgery – When other treatments don’t work, surgery may be a good option. If you have tried all these treatment modalities and if your arthritis is severe, then you may be a candidate for a total knee replacement procedure.
- Total Knee Replacement Surgery – In a total knee replacement procedure, diseased cartilage is removed and replaced with metal prostheses. There is a “plastic” spacer in between the metal components. This surgery is remarkably effective in relieving the pain. It typically takes less than 2 hours for the surgery.
If you’re considering total knee replacement surgery, Dr. Ahluwalia uses the latest minimally invasive muscle sparing techniques so that you experience less pain after surgery and have a quick recovery.
Dr. Raj Ahluwalia also completed a Harvard fellowship specifically in knee surgery – making him uniquely qualified to perform your knee surgery. Learn more about knee surgery or contact our office to book an appointment today.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your own physician or another qualified healthcare provider.
