Arthritis, a degenerative joint disease, affects the knees in many ways. The most common form, called osteoarthritis, wears the cartilage away over time. Other types of arthritis affecting the knee are rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, treatment for arthritic knee joints can take many forms, from lifestyle modification to surgery.
Premise
Treatments for arthritic knees aim to relieve the pain associated with the condition, as well as increase function of the knee and reduce other symptoms, like swelling and stiffness. The University of California-San Francisco Medical Center reveals arthritis of the knees left untreated may worsen since this condition won't heal on its own.
Types: Non-Surgical
The UCSF Medical Center advises an initial treatment of arthritis symptoms with rest, ice, physical therapy and medications to control pain. The Hip and Knee Institute reveals limiting activity that aggravates the knee may also prove effective for treating arthritis irritation. Use of a cane or knee support, weight loss, injection of cortisone or gold salt, or use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may work effectively as well. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends exercise to increase range of motion, improve flexibility and strengthen the leg muscles. Other medications that may work effectively include oral supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin or viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid.
Types: Surgical
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists four main options for surgical intervention for treatment of arthritic knee joints. Physicians may use arthroscopic surgery to clean debris out of the knee joint or repair torn cartilage. Osteotomy surgery creates a cut in the shinbone or thighbone to make improvements to knee joint alignment. Severe cases of knee damage from arthritis may require a partial or total knee replacement surgery. Surgeons may also opt for cartilage grafting if the patient has some cartilage loss or damage from arthritis trauma.
Types: Alternative
The Arthritis Foundation reports on several alternative therapies used for the treatment of arthritis in the knee. Acupuncture and acupressure use needles or finger pressure to stimulate specific points throughout the body, which can reduce inflammation and pain. Massage therapy may also prove useful for reducing pain, as well as improving sleep and immune function. Special diets to reduce symptoms exist, although the Arthritis Foundation warns no scientific evidence exists to support their effectiveness. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists magnetic pulse therapy as another alternative. This therapy sends a pulsed signal to the knee.
Considerations
Treatment options vary for each individual suffering from knee arthritis, depending on age, type of arthritis and severity of injury. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend a consultation with a physician to determine the right course of treatment.
