Arthritis of the knee may be due to rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis following an injury, but the most common form of knee arthritis is osteoarthritis. The treatments for arthritis knee pain range from lifestyle modifications to medical treatment, supplements and surgery.
Types
Weight loss, physical therapy and range-of-motion exercises, supportive devices such as cane, braces and elastic bandages, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, acupuncture and arthroscopic surgery can all potentially relieve the pain of knee arthritis.
Effects
Weight loss reduces stress on knee joints, exercise helps strengthen muscles that support the knee, and medications and supplements can help ease pain. Surgery can repair damage or realign the knee to relieve pain and restore function.
Considerations
Younger people are better able to relieve the pain of arthritis with nonsurgical treatments such as rest, cold compress, medication and physical therapy. People with more advanced knee arthritis may require surgery or joint replacement to find pain relief.
Diagnosis
Your doctor can assess your pain and your individual lifestyle needs to determine the best treatment for arthritis knee pain relief and, if necessary, can refer you to an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist.
Warning
Untreated arthritis knee pain can result in more pain, joint damage and permanent disability, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic.
