One of the most common diseases that affect numerous individuals of all ages is arthritis knee pain in particular, Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis. In spite of all medical advances in modern days, there is currently no permanent cure for all types of arthritis knee pain. While there are specific work outs and physical therapy programs designed to alleviate pain to a certain extent, their results depend largely on the degree of pain and the stage of arthritis afflicting the patient, amongst a number of other factors.
A common serious type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which initially manifests as sore or stiff joints in the knees, feet, elbows, and hands. Typically, the stiffness will start in the same joint on both sides of the body. Gradually the patient of arthritis feel a sense of fatigue and flu-like symptoms, accompanied by aches and pains as well as joint inflammation. Now if the pain is felt in any joint of the body following a repetitive action, this might be indicative of another type of arthritis called Osteoarthritis. Such as an individual who has been a professional athlete for years may someday feel some pain in his/her knee without any evident cause. Standard imaging tests like X-rays may uncover wear and tear in the cartilage of the knees, which weaken the joints and cause increasing pain.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the joints of hips, back, neck, and fingers. Swollen or misshapen fingers joints are telltale signs of the disease. In severe cases, affected patients may find it difficult if not impossible to perform even simple activities such as walking, sitting down, or standing up. In such conditions, joint replacement surgery may be the only course of action. A common approach to treating severe arthritis in the knees is the cold laser therapy or use of knee braces, either off-the-shelf or custom-made. Off-the-shelf types of knee braces may not fit perfectly but are less expensive, whereas custom-made types are more expensive and are devised to fit both your knee and your specific condition.
While cold laser therapy or the prescription drugs may help alleviate pain, they are seldom able to eliminate it completely. New medications and remedies however, are now available to manage the painful symptoms of arthritis. In addition to standard and usual medications, physicians may prescribe creams and ointments for oral application. NSAIDs are often the prescription of specific choice for a majority of doctors. Rheumatoid arthritic patients are usually given biologics or anti-rheumatic medications, which can be injected at regular intervals to improve the patient's condition and to lessen the pain. Another technique that has been known to effectively reduce the progression of the disease is doing regular arthritis knee exercises, including swimming, cycling, and walking. Regular work out programs will help improve or restore joint function. These work outs need not be rigorous, as even simple steps can do wonders to the joints. Strenuous work outs that may further damage or aggravate the joints must be strictly avoided.
In extreme severe cases, knee surgery and chemotherapy may be necessary. Alternative methods of treatment such as acupuncture and magnetic pulse therapy have also become popular these days, owing to the many users who attest to their efficiency.
