Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from the prevalent ailment known as Knee Osteoarthritis. It happens when the cartilage protecting the knee joint deteriorates, resulting in discomfort, stiffness, and reduced mobility. According to a study, knee Osteoarthritis accounts for 4/5 of all osteoarthritis cases worldwide and is primarily brought on by aging and weight gain. 

We cannot control age, but we can control our weight. Although severe cases may necessitate surgery, non-surgical therapy alternatives can generally manage symptoms and be enough to enhance the quality of life. This article will examine the numerous non-surgical approaches for treating knee osteoarthritis.

Non-surgical knee osteoarthritis treatment options are significant since they are less invasive than surgery and can often alleviate pain and discomfort. A comprehensive treatment strategy suited to a person’s unique needs is also developed by combining non-surgical treatments. 

The optimal non-surgical therapy choices for a patient’s condition are usually determined through consultation with a healthcare professional.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a non-surgical method for treating knee osteoarthritis and incorporates exercises to increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Physical therapy can also assist in easing knee joint stiffness and pain.

• Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is the least invasive and most beneficial treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee because it can help individuals:

• Improve knee joint flexibility and range of motion
• Strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint to provide support
• Alleviate pain and inflammation in the knee joint
• Improve balance and coordination to reduce the risk of falls

• Types of Exercises

Some exercises that are included in a physical therapy program for knee osteoarthritis include:

• Range-of-motion exercises
• Strengthening exercises
• Aerobic exercises
• Balance exercises

Weight Management

Studies have noted that obesity affects 4% of women and 5% of men, respectively, for osteoarthritis. Weight management is an essential non-surgical treatment option for knee osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts added pressure on the knee joint, increasing pain and stiffness.

• Benefits of Weight Management

For people with knee osteoarthritis, maintaining a healthy weight can offer the following advantages:

1. Decrease the pressure on the knee joint, which can help with pain and stiffness.
2. Boost general well-being and mobility
3. Lower your risk of getting conditions like diabetes and heart disease

• Types of Weight Management

Some weight management strategies that are recommended for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee include:

• Proper Eating and Portion Control 

Keeping a healthy weight is crucial for easing knee osteoarthritis symptoms and minimizing stress on the joint. A balanced diet that includes a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats can help you achieve this. Portion control is also essential to avoid overeating and to consume more calories than your body requires.

• Frequent Physical Activity and Exercise 

To manage your weight and improve your general health, you must exercise. For people with knee osteoarthritis, low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga might be helpful. Regularly exercising can help you lose weight, reduce inflammation, and gain strength and flexibility.

• Working With a Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian

A nutritionist or registered dietitian can provide individualized nutrition and weight management advice for your specific goals and needs. They can offer continuing support while you change your way of life, including assistance with creating a healthy eating plan.

• Meal Replacement Programs

Meal replacement programs can effectively manage weight for some people with knee osteoarthritis. In these regimens, a low-calorie, highly nutritious shake or meal bar is substituted for one or more daily meals. Without tracking calories or making elaborate meals, meal replacement programs can help people lose weight and reduce caloric intake.

Medications

Several medications are used to manage pain and inflammation associated with knee osteoarthritis. These medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, are available over-the-counter or by prescription.

• Benefits of Medications

Medications can provide the following benefits for knee osteoarthritis:

1. Alleviate pain and inflammation in the knee joint
2. Improve overall mobility and quality of life
3. Allow individuals to participate in physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments more comfortably

• Types of Medications

Some medications that are used to manage knee osteoarthritis symptoms include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Acetaminophen
• Topical analgesics
• Corticosteroid injections

Injections

Injections are another non-surgical option for knee osteoarthritis treatment. These injections are delivered directly into the knee joint and can provide long-lasting pain relief and reduced inflammation.

• Benefits of Injections

Injections can help with the following symptoms of knee osteoarthritis:

1. Provide permanent pain relief and reduce inflammation
2. Make it more comfortable for people to participate in physical therapy and other non-surgical procedures.
3. It could postpone or even eliminate the need for surgery.

• Types of Injections

Some types of injections that may be used to manage knee osteoarthritis symptoms include:

• Corticosteroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma injections

Braces and Assistive Devices

Braces and assistive devices can support and stabilise the knee joint, reducing pain and discomfort associated with knee osteoarthritis.

• Benefits of Braces and Assistive Devices

Braces and assistive devices proved to be beneficial to:

1. Reduce pressure on the knee joint
2. Improve knee joint stability and support
3. Allow individuals to participate in physical activities more comfortably

• Types of braces and assistive devices

Some types of braces and assistive devices that can help manage knee osteoarthritis symptoms include:

• Knee braces
• Canes or crutches
• Orthotics or shoe inserts

Other Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a non-surgical treatment option that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and pain relief.

• Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture can provide the following benefits for knee osteoarthritis:

1. Alleviates pain and inflammation in the knee joint
2. Improve overall mobility and quality of life
3. Promote relaxation and reduce stress

• How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture works by releasing endorphins, natural painkillers produced by the body.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a non-surgical treatment option that involves the manipulation of the spine and other joints to promote healing and reduce pain.

• Benefits of chiropractic care

Chiropractic care is a non-surgical knee osteoarthritis treatment option that helps to:

1. Alleviates pain and inflammation in the knee joint
2. Improve overall mobility and quality of life
3. Improve alignment and posture

• How Chiropractic Care Works

Chiropractic care works by restoring proper alignment to the spine and other joints, reducing pressure on the knee joint and promoting healing.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, non-surgical options for knee osteoarthritis treatment are important for managing symptoms and improving the overall quality of life. Physical therapy, weight management, medications, injections, braces and assistive devices, acupuncture, and chiropractic care are all effective non-surgical treatment options for knee osteoarthritis. 

Working with a healthcare provider to determine which treatment options best suit an individual’s specific needs is important. By taking a comprehensive approach to treatment, individuals with knee osteoarthritis can reduce pain and inflammation, improve overall mobility and quality of life, and delay the need for surgery in some cases.

The post Non-Surgical Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Options: What You Need to Know appeared first on RegenOrthoSport - Orthopedic Specialist Dr. Venkatesh Movva, Dallas & Ft. Worth, Texas | Regenexx Texas.

The post Non-Surgical Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Options: What You Need to Know appeared first on RegenOrthoSport - Orthopedic Specialist Dr. Venkatesh Movva, Dallas & Ft. Worth, Texas | Regenexx Texas.