Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, can affect many different joints of the body, including the knee. Typically associated with old age, osteoarthritis affects over 33 percent of individuals over 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Importance
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a lifelong condition, but treatment makes the disease manageable. Without treatment, osteoarthritis can cause a great deal of unnecessary pain and discomfort. An untreated individual with knee osteoarthritis may find it increasingly difficult to walk, play sports, run, work or carry out household activities. The individual may also notice a decreased ability to stand up from a chair or sofa or to get into and out of the bathtub. The physical effects may lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression as well.
Goals
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, there are four goals for osteoarthritis treatment. The primary goal is to control the pain caused by the disorder. Tied closely in with this goal is the concept of using treatment methods that improve the functioning of the affected joints. Doctors also try to get the patient to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This goal is especially important for those with knee osteoarthritis, since being overweight puts stress on the knee joints that can exacerbate osteoarthritis. The final goal in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis is to achieve an overall healthy lifestyle that supports healing of the joints and prevents further development of joint problems.
Home Treatment
Doctors treating knee osteoarthritis typically recommend pursuing home treatments before trying medication or surgical procedures. Various forms of exercise, including agility, strengthening, range-of-motion and aerobic activity, can all help people with knee arthritis maintain their health and keep joints functioning. Massaging the joints and using ice packs or heating pads to ease pain and swelling can also be effective home remedies.
Pain Relief
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are useful for easing osteoarthritis pain and inflammation in the knees and can be purchased over the counter. These include ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. Acetaminophen is another over-the-counter option for pain relief, although it does not ease inflammation. Prescription pain killers such as codeine, propoxyphene and tramadol are also available. In some cases, a physician may recommend corticosteroid shots in the affected knee.
Medical Procedures
In severe cases of knee osteoarthritis, a doctor may try injecting a hyaluronic acid derivative into the knee to provide cushioning. Surgery to replace the knee joint or realign the bones that connect in the knee may be another option. In realignment surgery, the surgeon can adjust the knee so that the force is redistributed and pressure on the knee is relieved.
