If you suffer from knee arthritis, you may be wondering what you can do about it. The good news is that there are many options for treatment. This article will outline the most common options for treating this condition and how to diagnose it correctly. In addition to following your physician's recommendations, you may also want to consider alternative therapies such as capsaicin cream or acupuncture. Alternatively, you may try braces, which can help support your entire knee while unloading one side. Physical and occupational therapy are also available to help you perform daily activities with fewer problems.

Treatment options

There are several treatment options for knee arthritis Brisbane. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes can relieve pain and inflammation. Some treatments include assisted devices, supplements, and topical creams containing capsaicin. Orthopedic braces may help unload the affected side of the knee or support the entire knee. Physical and occupational therapy may also be recommended. In addition to medications, physical therapy and other therapies may help the patient adapt to daily activities.

Some doctors prescribe oral medications, including ibuprofen or naproxen, to alleviate pain. For patients who do not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications may be recommended. COX-2 inhibitors (such as Celebrex) may also be prescribed. Other pain-relieving products, available over-the-counter or by prescription, may also reduce swelling and pain. Although NSAIDs are often prescribed for pain relief, their potential side effects should be considered carefully.

Steroid injections may be an option for patients with advanced-stage arthritis. Injections of hyaluronic acid may reduce pain and inflammation. These injections are generally covered by health insurance plans. Another treatment option for knee arthritis is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which use concentrated platelets from the patient's own blood. These injections may last up to a year, but they are less effective in the treatment of chronic pain. Other treatment options for knee arthritis include physical therapy and weight loss.

If you cannot walk, a brace or cane may be your best option. These devices can help you shift your weight away from the affected knee and stabilize it. If non-surgical methods don't relieve your pain, your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery. These procedures replace damaged bone surfaces and restore your knee's function. You can also opt for knee replacement surgery, which will remove loose cartilage. Once you've chosen the right procedure, you'll have a new knee.

Surgical treatment for knee arthritis can involve removing loose cartilage. An orthopedic surgeon can remove damaged cartilage to create a smooth joint surface and reduce internal derangement. Arthroscopic surgery also helps treat associated conditions, like psoriasis. But this treatment is usually only effective when other nonsurgical treatments fail. However, arthroscopy is only a temporary solution, so it should be the last option.

Diagnosis

Symptoms of knee arthritis usually develop gradually over time. While minor cases may not have any symptoms, more severe conditions often manifest with increasing pain or stiffness with weight bearing activity. Patients often report a grinding, popping, or clicking sensation when they move their knees. Symptoms vary from person to person and may worsen with cold or wet weather. A doctor may recommend an MRI or other imaging tests to rule out other conditions.

A doctor can diagnose knee arthritis by looking at your medical history, physical exam, and X-ray of the joint. X-rays may reveal decreased joint space, irregular bony ends, and bone spurs. If these symptoms persist, an MRI may be ordered to rule out other underlying conditions. A physical therapist may prescribe a physical therapy program to improve your range of motion. This therapy may include exercises to strengthen the muscles in the knee joint.

Your doctor will use a variety of tests to confirm the diagnosis and make a treatment plan. A physician will also order blood tests and x-rays of your knee to evaluate the extent of degeneration. Surgical options include knee arthroscopy and total knee replacement, but there is no cure for this condition. Physiotherapists are highly trained in diagnosis and treatment of knee arthritis. When it is time to undergo surgery, doctors may suggest surgery.

Exercise is an important part of treatment for knee arthritis. Regular exercise and water exercises can reduce the amount of strain on the knee. Strengthening the leg muscles may also help to ease the burden on the knee. Strengthening the knee muscles is essential for preserving functional use of the knee. Although surgery should only be used when other treatment options have failed to produce results, it is still a viable option for those who suffer from knee arthritis.

There are several different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis. This degenerative condition gradually erodes the surfaces of joints, which causes the pain and swelling. Without cartilage, bone-on-bone rubbing occurs. Because osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, it usually begins slowly. Some patients experience arthritis symptoms only after sustaining an injury to the knee. Despite this, osteoarthritis can be treated and the patient can continue living a normal life.