Knee arthritis is when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint. It is common due to aging, injury, or joint damage. Treatment options include physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and assistive devices can also help manage symptoms of Mesquite knee arthritis.
Your doctor will first need to diagnose your knee arthritis by performing a physical examination and reviewing your medical history. They may also order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to get a better look at the joint and determine the extent of the damage. They may also test your range of motion and muscle strength.
Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatment options subject to your condition. Working closely with your doctor to develop an individualized treatment plan that is right for you is advisable.
Causes of knee arthritis
There are several different causes of knee arthritis. The most common cause is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition caused by joint wear and tear. Other causes of knee arthritis include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joint.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: occurs after an injury to the knee joint.
- Gout: a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint.
- Psoriatic arthritis: a form of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.
In some cases, knee arthritis may be caused by a combination of factors, such as a previous injury or genetics. It is important to work closely with your doctor to determine the cause of your knee arthritis so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
Knee arthritis treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help to relieve pain and inflammation. If your symptoms are more severe, your doctor may also prescribe stronger medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids.
Physical therapy
A physical therapist can design an exercise program to help improve the strength and flexibility of your knee joint. This can help to reduce pain and improve your ability to move the joint.
Lifestyle changes
Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and using assistive devices such as a cane or walker can help reduce the stress on your knee joint and alleviate symptoms.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgery
If other treatments are ineffective, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair or replace the damaged joint. Surgery options include arthroscopy, osteotomy, or total knee replacement.
It’s important to remember that knee arthritis is a chronic condition, and it may not be possible to cure it completely. Still, with proper treatment and management, the symptoms can be effectively managed, and the quality of life can be improved.
Your doctor at OmniSpine Pain Management can help you understand each treatment option’s potential benefits and risks and help you choose the most appropriate for your specific needs.