Content

• Steps
• Tips

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee arthritis. It is also called wear and tear of the joints or their acute disease. Osteoarthritis is characterized by wear and tear of the articular cartilage. When the articular cartilage of the knee wears out, the bone is put under additional stress. So, read on to find out the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Steps

1. 1 As a rule, symptoms progress over time and become more severe. Interestingly, the symptoms do not always progress steadily, sometimes they subside and then reappear.Patients often report that they think their symptoms appear depending on the weather. It is important to observe the manifestation of symptoms, because in one day it is impossible to form an overall picture of the disease.
2. 2 Treatments for arthritis range from the simplest (like prevention) to the most serious (up to surgery). Keep in mind that different types of surgery are appropriate for each individual case. Therefore, it is very important to consult with your doctor to determine which method is more suitable for you. So the options are:
   • Lose weight.
     • This is probably one of the most important points, yet it is neglected by many. Remember that the less weight, the less stress on the joints.
   • Change in vigor.
     • Restricting certain types of activities may not only be useful, but even necessary. In the same way as mastering new exercises. Swimming is a great option for patients who find it especially difficult to train.
   • Purchase of walkers.
     • Crutches will reduce the stress on the joints and prevent further development of the disease.
   • Physiotherapy.
     • Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint will also reduce stress on the knee. Preventing muscle wasting is an important part of keeping your knee joint strong and healthy.
   • Anti-inflammatory drugs.
     • Anti-inflammatory pain relievers are available with a prescription, but there are also over-the-counter pain relievers. They help relieve pain and inflammation.
   • Cortisone injections.
     • Cortisone injections will reduce inflammation and pain in the joint.
   • The drug "Synvisc"
     • Synvisc can be quite effective in relieving knee pain. In addition, it can delay the need for surgery.
   • Biologically active additives (glucosamine).
     • Glucosamine is a safe supplement. It is effective in treating osteoarthritis of the knee, however, there is not much research on this supplement.
   • Knee arthroscopy.
     • The effectiveness of knee arthroscopy in treating arthritis is still a controversial issue, but for some specific symptoms it may be helpful.
   • Knee osteotomy.
     • This method is not as good for most patients, but it can be effective for younger patients with limited arthritis.
   • Complete surgery and knee replacement.
     • The essence of this procedure is to remove the cartilage and replace it with a metal or plastic implant.
   • Partial knee replacement.
     • It is also called single-condom knee replacement. The bottom line is that only part of the joint is replaced. This method is suitable for the treatment of localized arthritis.
3. 3 Common symptoms of knee arthritis:
   • Pain with any vigorous activity
   • Limited range of motion
   • Knee stiffness
   • Joint swelling
   • Increased tenderness around the joint
   • A feeling that the joint is about to fail
   • Joint deformity (strange noises when bending the knee)

Tips

• Assessment of the patient's condition should begin with examination and analysis of the X-ray. With its help, you can objectively assess the situation and determine the degree of development of the disease.
• Most often, for osteoarthritis of the knee, analgesics (pain relievers) are prescribed, such as "Aspirin" or "Acetaminophen" ("Tylenol"), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as "Ibuprofen" - they restore joint mobility and strengthen it. Losing excess weight will also help people with osteoarthritis. Treating rheumatoid arthritis of the knee may require a specific treatment plan that includes physical therapy and more powerful medications. In people with arthritis, the knee joint should be replaced with an artificial implant if it is severely damaged. (Note: The new technique is designed to stimulate the growth of cartilage from the patient's own cartilage cells. This technique is used for damage to the cartilage in the knee joint, but it is not for the treatment of arthritis).