Managing Knee Osteoarthritis: Treatment Options And Lifestyle Changes

Are you feeling uncomfortable pain in your knee? Then, you may probably experience osteoarthritis of the knee. Most people have heard of and experienced arthritis at some point. Usually, it occurs in older adults and thousands of people get affected. Regarding overall health, the knee is one of the crucial joints in the human body. The knee joint will bear the heavy weight of the body’s weight, and it requires functioning properly. A perfect knee that functions properly ensures a person can stand up straight and function. 

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis affects the knee joints more frequently than ever. Knee osteoarthritis affects a major portion of the population. For some people, it can happen due to hereditary and others due to injury or infection. In this blog, the answers to every question related to knee osteoarthritis, treatment and what changes are needed to ease its pain are here.

What is Knee Osteoarthritis?

The condition of osteoarthritis is usually called wear and tear arthritis. This disease has four phases, and the cushioning between joints, known as cartilage, wears away in the complete four stages. Specifically, the upper layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away, which helps bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion with joints and leading to the formation of bone spurs. 

Additionally, the knee has three compartments, i.e. medical, patellofemoral and lateral. However, any of these compartments is affected by osteoarthritis. When osteoarthritis takes its place and goes further into four stages, your joints will lose their normal structure. The bone spurs will develop together, and a portion of bone or cartilage will break off and float within joint space, creating damage and pain in the joints. 

Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis

Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, one of the best doctors in total knee replacement in Rajouri Garden, suggests some treatments to manage knee osteoarthritis and relieve symptoms. 

     1. Physical Therapy

Doing some physical exercise can enhance the range of movement in the knee, strengthen the muscles in your leg, and support the joint. Helping devices like splints, braces and shoe inserts will help reduce the stress on your joint. 

     2. Medications

Another option is anti-inflammatory and pain medications like analgesics, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and hyaluronic acids. Another option to try is heat and ice therapy. If you apply ice or cold compression, it can provide an immediate reduction in pain and reduce inflammation. When you use heat to treat the area, it can provide an enveloping form that relieves pain.

     3. Surgery

Your doctor may recommend surgery if the pain worsens and results in impairment.

• Arthroscopy:  This procedure can eliminate loose and torn cartilage pieces or smooth areas of damaged cartilage. As the arthritis is more advanced, the less effective arthroscopy is.
• Osteotomy:  The knee's bones are cut and repositioned to relieve pressure from the knee joint.
• Joint replacement:  A knee replacement may be either complete or partial. The surfaces damaged in the knee joint get replaced and removed with artificial parts.

Lifestyle Changes in Knee Osteoarthritis

Here are some lifestyle changes that can be beneficial for individuals with knee osteoarthritis:

     1. Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of knee osteoarthritis's most important lifestyle changes. Excess weight stresses the knee joints, leading to increased pain and faster degeneration. Losing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly alleviate symptoms.

     2. Exercise

Regular, low-impact exercise is essential for knee osteoarthritis. Walking, swimming, stationary biking, and tai chi can help improve joint flexibility, strengthen the muscles around the knee, and reduce pain. Consult a physical therapist or healthcare provider to create an appropriate exercise plan tailored to your needs and limitations.

     3. Diet

A balanced and nutritious diet can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting joint health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fish), antioxidants (e.g., fruits and vegetables), and anti-inflammatory compounds (e.g., turmeric) may be beneficial. 

Conclusion

Managing knee osteoarthritis is a multifaceted approach involving medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and self-care strategies. An individualized approach, designed by collaborating with total knee replacement in Rajouri Garden, can aid individuals in managing their knee, alleviating pain, improving their functionality, and increasing their quality of life. Continuous monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan are essential to accommodate the ever-changing requirements of the condition as time passes.