The most effective treatment of arthritis in the knee varies based on your symptoms and the severity of your condition. Most doctors start with simple treatments before moving to more complex ones.
- Non-Surgical Options – Treatments like physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle adjustments can often offer substantial relief.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures – Injections and arthroscopy can reduce pain without major surgery.
- Surgical Options – In severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, joint replacement surgery might be required.
Knee arthritis causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, often making everyday tasks more difficult to manage. The good news is that the treatment of arthritis in the knee offers many effective options to help alleviate symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
Let us explore the treatment options for arthritis in the knee, helping you find the right approach for your specific condition.
What Causes Knee Arthritis Pain
Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint gradually breaks down over time. This cartilage acts like a cushion between your bones. Without it, your bones rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation.
The most common type is osteoarthritis, which affects millions of Americans each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that osteoarthritis impacts about 33 million adults across the United States.
What Are the First-Line Treatments of Arthritis in the knee
Most people with knee arthritis start with non-surgical treatments, which are the first-line treatment of arthritis in the knee. These choices are usually quite effective for managing mild to moderate arthritis.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles around your knee joint, giving it better support. A physical therapist will create a personalized exercise plan based on your specific needs.
Medications
There are various medications available to help ease knee arthritis pain, including over-the-counter options like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
Lifestyle Changes
By adopting these lifestyle modifications, individuals with knee arthritis can better manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.
- Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for reducing strain on your knees. Even losing a small amount of weight can relieve pressure on your joints and enhance knee mobility.
- Using ergonomic tools like shoe inserts or walking aids can provide support and reduce discomfort.
- Avoid sitting or standing too long. Switching positions and maintaining good posture can help relieve joint pressure.
When Should You Consider Minimally Invasive Treatments
If non-surgical treatment of arthritis in the knee does not provide enough relief, minimally invasive procedures may help. These treatments require small incisions or injections instead of major surgery.
Corticosteroid Injections
Injecting steroids into the knee joint can help lower inflammation and relieve pain. A sports medicine doctor can perform these procedures in their office.
The Mayo Clinic reports that these injections can help some patients for up to six months.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Also called viscosupplementation, these injections add lubricating fluid to your knee joint. The therapy could alleviate pain and enhance mobility.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
This groundbreaking treatment for arthritis in the knee utilizes components from your own blood to support healing and improve knee joint function.
Arthroscopy
This procedure uses a tiny camera and small instruments to clean out damaged cartilage. Healing usually takes less time compared to traditional open surgery.
What Are the Surgical Options for Severe Knee Arthritis
When other treatments of arthritis in the knee no longer provide adequate relief, surgery may be your best option. Contemporary surgical methods provide outstanding outcomes for suitable patients.
Partial Knee Replacement
When arthritis affects only part of your knee, surgeons can replace just the damaged section. This preserves more of your natural knee structure.
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement may be required in severe cases of arthritis in the knee impacting the whole joint. Doctors for minimally invasive knee replacement use advanced techniques that reduce recovery time and scarring.
The procedure involves removing damaged bone and cartilage. The orthopedic surgeon then places artificial joint components made of metal and plastic.
How Do I Choose the Right Treatment for My Knee Arthritis
The best treatment of arthritis in the knee varies for each person. Various factors play a role in deciding the most effective treatment of arthritis in the knee:
Severity of Symptoms
Occasional mild pain can often be managed effectively with conservative treatments. Severe pain that limits daily activities often requires more aggressive intervention.
Age and Activity Level
Younger, more active patients may benefit from joint-preserving treatments. Older patients with severe arthritis often do well with joint replacement surgery.
Overall Health
Your general health affects which treatments are safest for you. Certain medical conditions may make some procedures riskier than others.
Response to Previous Treatments
Your doctor will consider how well you have responded to other treatments. This information helps guide future knee arthritis treatment decisions.
Treatment of Arthritis in the Knee in Naples, FL
Knee arthritis does not have to put an end to your active lifestyle. Effective treatment of arthritis in the knee requires a comprehensive approach tailored to your specific needs. Working with experienced specialists ensures you receive the most appropriate care for your condition.
The Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, specializes in advanced knee arthritis treatments, from conservative management to minimally invasive surgical options. Our team of orthopedic specialists uses the latest techniques to help patients return to active, pain-free lives.
Contact us today at (239) 261-2663 or use our appointment request form to schedule a consultation and learn which treatment approach is best for your knee arthritis.
