Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly 27 million adults in the United States. And osteoarthritis of the knee is the most prevalent type of this condition.
Common in people over age 50, particularly women, osteoarthritis of the knee can affect either one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) sides of the knee joint. However, it occurs more frequently on the inner (medial) aspect of the knee. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for osteoarthritis, but treatment can help reduce pain and maintain movement.
Treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee range from over-the-counter pain relievers to physical therapy, viscosupplement injections and even surgery. Depending on the severity of your osteoarthritis, your doctor will determine which treatment options best suit you.
• Acetaminophen — More commonly known as Tylenol, acetaminophen relieves pain but not the inflammation associated with OAK. Acetaminophen is most effective if you have mild to moderate pain.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) — NSAIDs reduce inflammation and relieve fever and pain by blocking enzymes and proteins made by the body. NSAIDs can either be bought over the counter, such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (Naproxen), or can be prescribed in a higher strength prescription for by your doctor. Common side effects of NSAIDs, however, are gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers.
• Creams and Gels — Over-the-counter (OTC) creams, rubs and sprays can be applied to the skin for temporary relief of pain. How these products work depends on their ingredients. Some creams or gels may contain salicylates (aspirin-related compounds that relieve pain); skin irritants (chemicals that cause cold, warm, or other sensations), and capsaicin (a hot substance found in chili peppers that blocks pain signals to the brain).
• Narcotics — Doctors will sometimes prescribe narcotic pain medications for patients with severe osteoarthritis who have failed other treatment options. Often, these types of medications contain ingredients similar to codeine and may provide relief from more severe osteoarthritis pain.
• Cox II inhibitors — These medications reduce the pain of osteoarthritis and the chance of developing ulcers, which makes them a desirable alternative to NSAIDs. These medicines, which include Celebrex and Vioxx, are available by prescription only.
• Physical Therapy — Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals who are experts in the way the human body moves. Using researched treatment techniques, physical therapists can help improve your mobility, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability.
• Occupational Therapy — Occupational therapists can help you design your life to be as pain-free as possible. This may include modifying your home to make it easier to get around and recommending gadgets to help you do every day tasks.
• Chondroplasty — Chondroplasty is a smoothing of roughened articulate cartilage, which may decrease the friction inside the joint. This procedure is performed conservatively so as to prevent thinning of the surface cartilage.
• Meniscus Transplant — This surgery implants either a medial or lateral meniscus from a cadaver into a knee joint that is lacking more than half of meniscal cartilage. Studies have shown that this procedure is only effective for patients with intact surface cartilage above and below the meniscus.
• Osteotomy — This procedure involves cutting across the bone either above or below the knee to realign the leg. This procedure can reduce knee pain by shifting body weight away from the worn-out part of your knee.
• Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty) — Arthroplasty removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with plastic and metal devices called prostheses.
• Cortisone Injections — Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, lessen inflammation, swelling and pain. Generally, they are not used for OA. However, injecting a corticosteroid into an inflamed joint can reduce swelling of soft tissues significantly as well as relieve pain.
• Lubrication injections — Hyaluronic acid derivative injections, like Synvisc, may offer pain relief by providing some cushioning in the knee. Made from a natural substance that lubricates and cushions your joint, these treatments can provide up to six months of osteoarthritis knee pain relief with one injection.
When it comes to treating OAK, you have many options, each with its own set of unique advantages — and side effects. Depending on your symptoms, you and your doctor should determine which treatment type is best for you.
Copyright © www.orthopaedics.win Bone Health All Rights Reserved
