Best Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis

Best Non-Surgical & Surgical Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis

Explore effective non-surgical and surgical treatments to manage knee osteoarthritis pain and improve function.

Best Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis

Understanding Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors and Management

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is a tough, protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones, enabling smooth movement. When this cartilage wears down, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Best Orthopaedic specialist in Faridabad.

This condition primarily affects the knees, hips, hands, spine, and lower back, and its symptoms usually develop slowly over time. Common signs include joint pain that worsens with activity, stiffness especially after resting, swelling, and a reduced range of motion. Some people may also hear a grating sound during joint movement.

Osteoarthritis risk increases with age and is more common in women, particularly after menopause. Other risk factors include obesity, joint injuries, genetic predisposition, and repetitive stress on joints from certain occupations or sports. Best Sports injury specialist in Faridabad.

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, symptom relief is possible through lifestyle changes, physical therapy, weight management, medication, and in advanced cases, surgical interventions. Managing osteoarthritis effectively can help maintain joint function and improve quality of life.

Effective Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint condition causing pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. Effective management involves both non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to the severity and patient needs. Knee osteoarthritis Surgeon in Faridabad.

Non-Surgical Treatments

1.    Exercise and Physical Therapy

Exercise is a cornerstone of knee OA management. Strengthening the muscles around the knee, especially the quadriceps, helps support and stabilize the joint, reducing pain and improving mobility. Low-impact aerobic activities like swimming or cycling, combined with stretching and strength training, enhance function and reduce stiffness. Physical therapists also use ice, heat, electrical nerve stimulation, and biomechanical interventions to alleviate symptoms.

2.    Weight Management

For overweight patients, losing even a small amount of weight significantly reduces stress on the knee joint—every pound lost lessens the load on the knees by three to six pounds. This improves pain levels and functional ability.

3.    Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to reduce inflammation and control pain. They can be taken orally or applied topically as gels, which often have fewer systemic side effects.

Acetaminophen offers mild pain relief but is generally less effective than NSAIDs. In cases where NSAIDs are contraindicated or ineffective, opioids may be considered cautiously. Some patients also try supplements like glucosamine sulfate or hyaluronic acid for symptom relief, although evidence varies.

4.    Intra-Articular Injections

Corticosteroid injections into the knee joint provide rapid, though temporary, pain relief by reducing inflammation. Hyaluronic acid injections aim to lubricate the joint, improving mobility and decreasing pain over longer periods. Other regenerative injections like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or prolotherapy are emerging options with varying evidence.

5.    Bracing and Walking Aids

Knee braces can offer mechanical support, thereby decreasing pain and improving function. Walking aids such as canes or walkers help offload weight and increase stability during movement.

Surgical Treatments

1.    Arthroscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive procedures can be used to repair meniscal tears, trim loose cartilage, or remove bone fragments causing mechanical symptoms like locking or catching. This surgery is generally recommended for patients with specific structural issues in the knee and may delay the need for joint replacement.

2.    Osteotomy

This procedure involves cutting and realigning bones around the knee to shift weight away from the damaged cartilage. It is typically suited for younger patients with localized arthritis and limb deformities. Osteotomy may delay or reduce the need for total knee replacement.

3.    Partial or Total Knee Replacement

For advanced OA leading to severe pain and disability, joint replacement surgery is often the most effective long-term solution. This involves replacing damaged cartilage and bone with artificial components.

In summary, knee osteoarthritis management starts with non-surgical approaches including exercise, weight loss, NSAIDs, injections, and bracing. These can effectively reduce pain and improve function in mild to moderate cases. Surgical options are reserved for cases where conservative measures fail and include arthroscopy, osteotomy, or knee replacement, depending on disease severity and patient factors. A multidisciplinary, tailored treatment plan is essential for optimal outcomes in knee OA patients. Joint replacement expert in Faridabad.