Knee arthritis refers to a crippling disorder that affects the cartilage (flexible tissue) in your knee joint. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), symptoms of knee arthritis include knee pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness that may lead to "locking" or "buckling." Knee arthritis can occur because of wear and tear over time, inflammation or trauma. If you suffer from knee arthritis, you may be interested in specific ways to cure this condition.
Step 1
Lose weight in order to reduce the pressure against your knees. This can reduce the pain you experience from your knee arthritis.
Step 2
Avoid exercises that involve placing stress on your knees. For example, swim instead of run.
Step 3
Strengthen your leg muscles and increase your flexibility with physical therapy. Physical therapists will teach you basic exercises that help reduce your knee pain and make your knee more functionable if it is stiff.
Step 4
Support your knee with leg braces or knee sleeves. These items are available in your local medical supply store.
Step 5
Reduce your knee pain and swelling with anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen, glucosamine and chondroitin. These medications can be purchased at your local pharmacy. Read the instructions and take as directed.
Step 6
Get corticosteroid, visosupplementation, or gold injections. The AAOS states that corticosteroid injections are anti-inflammatory agents placed in your joint. They help moderate to severe knee arthritic pain. Visosupplementation consists of injecting substances that increase your joint fluid's viscosity. Gold injections are placed into your knee joint to decrease inflammation.
Step 7
Go to your surgeon and schedule arthroscopic surgery, an osteomy, a total or partial knee replacement or cartilage grafting when you have exhausted all treatment options. According to AAOS, arthroscopic surgery involves cleaning your knee joint of debris and fixing damaged cartilage. An osteomy involves using your shinbone or thighbone to realign your knee joint. Knee replacement involves using metal or plastic to repair your damaged knee joint. Cartilage grafting involves replacing damaged knee cartilage.
Things You'll Need
- Leg braces
- Knee sleeves
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Corticosteroid injection
- Visosupplementation injection
- Gold injection
