Knee Arthritis Treatment

Home Remedies and Lifestyle

OA often comes on gradually, and its symptoms can ebb and flow over time. While it is wise to speak to a healthcare provider about any symptoms you experience, there are several steps you can take at home to help manage your knee arthritis.

The RICE Method

One of the most basic tools that can be used to combat the symptoms of osteoarthritis at home is the RICE principle. This acronym, which stands for Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation, is one of the most basic ways to treat the inflammation that OA can cause in your knee:

• Rest: Give yourself a break from any aggravating or strenuous activities to help decrease the pain you are experiencing.
• Ice: Treat the affected knee with an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes per session, three or more times each day, which will also help reduce the inflammation in your leg.
• Compression: Use a compression sleeve or an ACE-style wrap to help decrease swelling and stiffness. It is important, however, that the elastic dressing not be too snug, as this can impair the circulation in your leg.
• Elevation: Elevate your leg above your heart any time you are sitting, which can help combat any swelling you are experiencing. It does this by utilizing gravity to drain the fluid from the knee joint.

Weight Loss

Extra body weight places excessive stress on an already arthritic joint and can contribute to more frequent and intense OA flare-ups.

One of the most effective ways to combat the symptoms of OA at home is to lose weight. To lose weight, modify your diet and incorporate low-impact aerobic and strengthening exercises into your daily routine.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies

If you are experiencing a flare-up of arthritis-related pain in your knee, several over-the-counter (OTC) medications may be able to help. It is important to speak to a healthcare provider first, however, as they may cause unintended side effects in people with other health concerns.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one type of medication that is frequently utilized by people with OA in their knees.

This class of medicine—which includes ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen—helps to decrease the inflammation associated with joint degeneration. In doing so, it can help to reduce any pain, swelling, or stiffness you may be feeling.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, is another commonly utilized OTC medication for treating knee OA. This medicine helps alleviate the pain associated with cartilage degeneration without causing unintended side effects on the stomach or kidneys. Because of this, it may be able to be taken by people who are unable to tolerate NSAIDs.

Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures

In some situations, a flare-up of arthritis cannot be managed with home remedies or medication alone. In these cases, one of several specialist-guided interventions may be necessary.

Physical Therapy

One of the most effective ways to relieve the pain and stiffness associated with knee OA without having surgery is to participate in physical therapy (PT).

A physical therapist can help select exercises that:

• Build strength in your hip and knee muscles
• Support the arthritic joint
• Improve your knee range of motion by increasing the flexibility in your leg muscles

Corticosteroid Injection

Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections are another common treatment for the pain associated with OA. This class of steroid medication, which is injected into the affected joint by a healthcare provider, is used to reduce inflammation and decrease the pain you are experiencing.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

More recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have emerged as a potential treatment option for knee arthritis. This treatment involves a healthcare provider:

• Drawing your blood
• Using a centrifuge machine to separate out a component called platelets
• Reinjecting these substances back into the affected knee

Platelets contain proteins called growth factors, which play a significant role in tissue healing. Because of this, injecting growth-factor concentrated plasma into the arthritic area may help reduce the pain and soreness associated with osteoarthritis.

Viscosupplementation

Viscosupplementation is another type of injection that may provide some arthritis relief without surgical intervention.

This procedure involves injecting a substance called hyaluronic acid (HA) into the knee joint. HA is a smooth, lubricating substance that is normally found in the synovial fluid that surrounds your joints. By injecting this viscous fluid into an arthritic joint, viscosupplementation aims to reduce the friction and pain associated with moving an arthritic knee.

Total Knee Replacement

When all other treatment options are ineffective at managing your pain, a total knee replacement surgery may be needed.

This procedure, which is performed by an orthopedic surgeon, involves removing the damaged cartilage at the end of the tibia and femur bones. Following this, metal components are secured at the end of the two knee bones, and a plastic spacer is positioned in between to help facilitate smooth movement in the joint.

Conclusion

The symptoms of knee OA can be debilitating and may seriously impact your ability to function on a daily basis. Fortunately, however, there are a wide array of treatment options at your disposal! In order to properly select the most appropriate interventions, it is a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider about your condition. Following a thorough evaluation and a conversation about your overall goals, a practitioner will be able to guide you toward the treatment options that are right for you.

FAQs

• What is the most common type of arthritis in the knee?
  • Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in the knee.
• What are some home remedies for managing knee OA?
  • The RICE principle (Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation), weight loss, and physical therapy are some home remedies for managing knee OA.
• What are some over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can be used to treat knee OA?
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen are two types of OTC medications that can be used to treat knee OA.
• What is the goal of physical therapy for knee OA?
  • The goal of physical therapy for knee OA is to relieve pain and stiffness, improve range of motion, and increase strength in the affected knee.