While age plays a big risk factor for knee arthritis, young people are also equally prone to it. For some people, it can be hereditary while for others, knee arthritis can be contracted from a severe injury or infection or even as a result of being overweight. Here is a detailed explanation about knee arthritis, including the information on its treatment and what one can do in order to ease the pain.
The most common cause of knee arthritis is age. Almost everyone develops some degree of arthritis after crossing the age of 60. However, various factors increase the risk of developing acute arthritis at a young age. Women over the age of 55 are more likely than men to develop knee arthritis.
How is Knee arthritis treated?
The primary goal of knee treatment is to release the pain and return mobility. A mixture of the following ways constitute the knee treatment plan:
Weight loss- Losing even a bit of weight, if required, can essentially reduce knee pain from arthritis as less pressure of the body fat will be exerted on the knees.
Exercise- The joint becomes more stable and the pain decreases when the person strengthens the muscles around the knee. Stretching exercises will tremendously help keep the knee joint flexible and mobile. However, one should definitely take advice from their physician before starting exercise to avoid any injuries.
As per their doctor’s recommendation, one can take pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs including over-the-counter choices like acetaminophen or naproxen sodium. They should not take it without consulting their doctor. Taking them for a longer period increases the chances of side effects. If it doesn’t provide relief, the doctor may give them a prescription of medication to help lessen the pain.
Alternative therapies- Some of the alternative therapies that can be really effective include topical creams along with capsaicin, supplements, and glucosamine.
Using devices such as braces- Generally, there are two types of braces: the unloader braces, which remove the weight away from the knee side affected by arthritis; and one is the support braces, which provide support for the knees as a whole.
Physical and occupational therapy- If one is having a problem with their routine activities, then physical and occupational therapy can surely help. Physical therapists can teach one way to strengthen their muscles and increase flexibility in their joint. Occupational therapists teach the person ways to execute regular, daily activities, like housework, with less pain.
Knee Surgery- When other treatments don’t work, Knee surgery can be a good option.
Knee replacement surgery is a surgical method in which the knee is replaced with artificial parts usually made from metals or plastic. The replacement process could involve one knee side or the entire knee. Knee replacement surgery is generally reserved for people age more than 50 with severe arthritis. Later, after several years, the surgery may have to be repeated if the knee wears out again, however, with today’s modern developments most new knees will last at least more than 20 years. The surgery does involve risks; however, the results are usually very good.
