9 Ways to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis

There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis (OA), although there are treatments available to alleviate symptoms. Combining medical treatment with lifestyle changes can help you feel better, live longer, and delay the disease's course. Continue reading to learn about lifestyle changes and other treatments that may be able to help you manage your OA symptoms.

1. Weight Loss

Maintaining a healthy weight can aid in the management of OA. Adding weight to your body might place undue strain on your feet, knees, and hips. Obesity increases the risk of OA in the knee by 36% for persons who weigh more than 100 pounds, according to researchers. Meanwhile, every pound you lose reduces the pressure on your knees by four times.

According to current recommendations, decreasing at least 5% of your body weight can enhance knee function and treatment response. The more weight reduced by persons who are overweight or obese, the more benefits they are expected to enjoy.

2. Healthy Diet 

A nutritious diet will aid with weight management. Certain meals can help to improve the health of your joints while also reducing inflammation. Vitamin D has been shown in studies to help reduce cartilage deterioration.

Fortified dairy products, oily salmon, beef liver, egg, and sunshine exposure are all good sources of vitamin D. Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish can help reduce inflammation and prevent cartilage degradation. Vitamin C, beta carotene, and bioflavonoids are all known to help with joint health.

3. Physical Activity 

Staying active can help you prevent and manage OA, but you must select the appropriate type for your needs. Exercise may delay or prevent joint damage. Exercise can also help you lose weight, reduce knee stress, and alleviate pain and stiffness.

Muscle strengthening exercises can help you strengthen the muscles around your knee so they can better absorb the shock of each step.

Depending on your needs, your doctor or physical therapist may recommend certain workouts. Low-impact workouts may be the best option for persons with knee pain. Aerobic exercise can help you lose weight and keep your cardiovascular system in good shape.

4. Medication 

Topical medicines are frequently an excellent choice. Capsaicin-containing creams and gels are available over-the-counter (OTC). Because of their heating and cooling actions, applying these products to the skin may help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with OA.

Pain and inflammation can be relieved with over-the-counter drugs such acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin). If your pain worsens, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers like tramadol.

5. Corticosteroid Injections 

When exercise and over-the-counter pain relievers are ineffective, corticosteroids may be used. Cortisone knee injections might provide immediate pain and inflammation alleviation. Relief can last anywhere from a few days to months.

6. Heat and Cold 

Heat and cold therapy for OA of the knee may help to alleviate symptoms. Pain and stiffness can be relieved with the use of a warm pack or a warm shower. Swelling and pain can be reduced by using a cold pack or ice. To protect the skin, wrap ice or an ice pack in a towel or cloth.

7. Acupuncture 

Acupuncture is a technique in which fine needles are inserted into precise spots on the body. In those with OA, it may help alleviate discomfort and improve knee function. Although researchers are still looking at its usefulness, it is cautiously recommended in current guidelines.

8. Occupational Therapy 

An occupational therapist can assist you in reducing your suffering. They can show you how to safeguard your joints while doing everyday tasks at home and at work.

9. Other Treatments 

Some patients try alternative treatments for OA knee pain, but physicians warn there isn't enough data to back them up.

Hyaluronic Acid 

A type of viscosupplementation is hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is injected into the knee joint by a healthcare professional. It may help to alleviate pain by giving additional lubricant to the knee.

This treatment is not recommended by current guidelines since there is insufficient data to support its effectiveness and safety.

Supplements 

Over-the-counter glucosamine sulfate (GS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) supplements are available. According to some studies, taking these reduced pain by 20–25 percent in persons with mild to moderate OA of the knee.