Pain relief should be a priority when it comes to osteoarthritis in the knee. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that you'll have to live with for the rest of your life, and in most cases, regardless of whether you're dealing with degenerative cartilage, rheumatoid arthritis, or chondromalacia; finding the right option for your needs is essential and one of the safest options at that. Medication such as NSAIDs, lifestyle changes, and even surgery can offer solutions that could leave you wondering where arthritis was hiding before!
Lifestyle Changes
One of the biggest challenges of osteoarthritis is that you don't know how to manage it. This discomfort can disrupt your day-to-day living, making simple tasks seem impossible. However, making a few tweaks in your everyday routine and doing the following things can help manage your knee osteoarthritis:
Weight Loss
If you're overweight, even by just a few pounds, you're putting extra wear and tear on your joints. Losing weight doesn't come easy to most people, so it's essential to reach out to your doctor for guidance on eating healthy foods that are tasteless and unhealthy than alternatives per serving!
Modify Physical Activity
As a senior, you must do your best to take care of your knees. Thankfully, there are things as simple as using an elevator instead of the stairs and other more unique activities that can help promote healthier joints. Such as trying out low-impact exercise programs or cutting down on things that could be causing stress to the knee by overdoing strenuous tasks around the house.
Supplements
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two naturally occurring nutrients that aid in the production of joint cartilage. They're often used as part of one's treatment plan for knee osteoarthritis but should not be the only treatment you try.
Heat & Cold
When experiencing knee pain, applying a herbal heating pad or cold therapy pack to your joint at home can be an affordable and effective treatment. Use a hot/cold pack or cold bath to relieve pain and a heating pad to reduce swelling after ice, especially after exercise or a long workday. Be careful not to place cold packs directly onto your skin when doing this at home - instead, try wrapping them in a thin towel first.
Medication
Arthritis medications are a mainstay for arthritis management. They can help reduce pain, with the added benefit of allowing you to get through your day.
Oral Medication
If you suffer from chronic joint pain or arthritis, don't just take acetaminophen (Tylenol) alone. There are various over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs on the market that can fight inflammation and relieve pain and discomfort related to your joints.
Prescription medication is yet another way to help you get on a path back to health. Some examples of prescription medication include more potent pain relievers that act in the same way as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Topical Medication
There are topical creams that serve a more practical purpose than just being pleasing to the eye. They can be used to help alleviate pain by dulling the senses and relaxing sore muscles. Applying the cream before activity can prevent pain or soothe existing aches should they occur. Still, it's important to note that these topical analgesics aren't meant for serious issues like actual injuries.
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices, like braces, canes, and walkers, allow people to expand their abilities and relieve pain. Each device works specifically; check out how the different ones work below.
Braces
Braces are the most reliable solution when dealing with knee injuries and arthritis. Today we see a variety of braces in the market, but two kinds deal directly with relieving knee pain stemming from arthritis. The first one is an unloader brace which actively moves the majority of the pressure away from the problematic zones of your knees. The second type is a support brace which acts as an umbrella when you have problems in your leg's muscles or tendons.
Canes
A reliable cane can make all the difference in one's ability to maneuver around the house and outdoors. Please make your selection carefully since you'll want a walking stick that suits your needs--whether it's stability, a comfortable grip, or simply something that will help offload some weight as you walk.
Walkers
Nothing beats the support and stability of a walker, but you don't have to be suffering from arthritis to use one. There's something for everyone with so many features available on more modern models today! From added suspension and ergonomic handlebars to improved wheels and grips, walkers are more reliable.
Exercise
With a knee injury, exercise can help you maintain the range of movement in your knee joint. Activity is vital in helping you avoid stiffness and inflammation. You can try stretching by standing up and holding the position for ten seconds and repeat this several times to gain more flexibility. You can also do this while sitting or lying down. To strengthen the surrounding muscles in your knee, and enhance activity and control, do leg raises off of a bed or chair, highlighting good posture as you raise your leg using your hips rather than your knees to lift you upwards.
Professional Treatment
Arthritis is a condition that affects millions worldwide. While it can be difficult for many to gauge what type of treatment would work best for their situation, getting recommended treatments from doctors and physical therapists will go a long way as they are professionals when it comes to this field.
Physical therapy
A physical therapist is one of the most critical aspects of an arthritis patient's recovery. They are trained to manage multiple conditions, including muscles, joints, and even a patient's psychological state. Most patients who've undergone a physical therapy treatment have reported positive results regarding their ailment's severity. It is because physical therapists will guide you through workouts geared towards strengthening your leg muscles and increasing the flexibility of your joints, depending on your specific form of arthritis and its severity. You will be expected to do these exercises at home to maximize your recovery time with ease based on your therapist's individualized recommendations.
Placental-Tissue Matrix (PTM)
This injection uses healthy tissue from a baby that has been delivered. Research shows that several growth factors in the tissue can be used to reduce arthritic inflammation.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is almost like a magic potion. You don't see it, but you feel it in your knee joint. After injecting hyaluronic acid into your joint, you can get some relief from that pain. When osteoarthritis occurs, the fluid around the affected joint becomes watery, so hyaluronic acid can help by improving shock absorption of the joint to provide some degree of pain relief for sufferers.
Are you thinking of injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint? Well, make sure you have gone to the doctor first because while this treatment can be helpful for knee problems, it is also excruciating.
Cortisone
Corticosteroid injections use potent steroids to decrease inflammation in the affected region. Because they reduce pain and provide temporary symptomatic relief, and their assistance comes with some side effects, it's best to consult your doctor first before receiving one.
Taking the Right Precautions with Knee Arthritis Treatment
Knee arthritis pain and stiffness don't have to be a way of life. By following a few easy steps, you can alleviate discomfort and work towards relieving it even more. If knee arthritis pain persists despite your measures, then surgery may be necessary. However, before undergoing any treatment method, always consult with your doctor and get their opinion so that they can help you tailor the right treatment plan for your specific situation.