Arthritis of the Knee? Here are treatment options

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Arthritic Knee Treatment

There are many ways to treat arthritis knee pain. These include non-narcotic pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicines. The most popular treatment for arthritis pain is over-the–counter acetaminophen. However,this medication can have undesirable side effects and interacts well with other medications. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication (NSI),which can be purchased over-thecounter or on prescription,is a more effective way to relieve arthritis knee pain.

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As with arthritis,the symptoms of knee OA can often start slowly and progress over time. These include knee OA symptoms such as pain when you move your knees,stiffness from sitting for too long,and restricted movement. A rheumatism can cause pain in the knees. Swelling in the joint can also cause inflammation and pain.

Most of these symptoms can often be treated at the home. But,if your symptoms persist or are new,you should see your healthcare provider. If you feel constant pain in your knees you should consult your healthcare provider. Subscribe to our facts newsletter for more information about arthritis treatment options. This newsletter addresses health and wellness topics including joint pain and any other health conditions. You can reduce your arthritis symptoms by finding the right treatment.

NSAIDs or acupuncture may be used as treatment for knee pain caused by arthritis. While heat can reduce stiffness or discomfort,cold treatment can reduce joint swelling. Joint stiffness may be relieved by using ice packs and freezing vegetables wrapped in a towel. Avoid applying ice directly against the skin. Capsaicin can be used to relieve joint pain. It is found in chili peppers. Once you have chosen the best treatment option,you are able to resume your active lifestyle.

For arthritis knee pain,exercise is another option. For supporting the muscles surrounding the knee joint,strengthening exercises is essential. Although they are not sufficient to alleviate arthritis pain in the knees,there are some exercises that can be done that will help decrease the stress on the joints. Physical therapists can help you with exercises and modify your activities. You should speak to your doctor before you decide to undergo surgery.

While medication can ease the pain of osteoarthritis and help to reduce inflammation,they cannot cure the condition. Your doctor may prescribe stronger antiinflammatory medications to reduce swelling and inflammation. Though injections with hyaluronic,or plateletrich plasma (PRP),can help alleviate arthritis knee pains,they are limited in their effect and should be avoided for long periods. You can also use topical creams containing camphor,capsaicin,and salicylates in place of injections.

You may choose platelet-rich blood plasma injections over other options. These injections require a small amount to be taken from your arm vein. After centrifuging the blood for 15 min,you will have a very thin layer of plasma. The plasma is then administered to the knee joint through ultrasound guidance. The effects usually take between two to six months for the patient to notice. Injections may cause pain relief,which can be felt immediately. These procedures have different results for each person. Before recommending any treatment,your doctor must thoroughly evaluate your condition.

If you want non-surgical arthritis pain relief in the knees,your doctor might recommend cortisone shots. These injections can last as long as three months and you may need repeat them as required. The injections may help relieve knee arthritis pain. But there are also risks,such as an increased sugar level,joint infections,or slight damage to your cartilage. You may have to use these injections because most insurance companies will not cover them.

Additional factors that may contribute to knee arthritis include high cholesterol,diabetes,obesity,and hypercholesterolemia. The risk of osteoarthritis can be increased by obesity. Being overweight increases the likelihood of osteoarthritis. To reduce this risk,you can lose excess weight. It is possible to have knee pain from weight and physical activity. Even if you aren`t overweight,exercising can help alleviate arthritis knee pain. Physical therapy is a great way to increase strength and range and get back into an active lifestyle.

Osteoarthritis may be mild or severe. Diagnosis is dependent on severity of symptoms. However it is important you seek treatment for any related symptoms. There are many treatment options to relieve arthritis knee pain. Whatever treatment option is chosen,it will help relieve your pain and improve the quality of your daily life. Get proactive about managing your arthritis knee pain.