Knee arthritis is a common condition that can cause significant pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. While surgery is often seen as the last resort for treating knee arthritis, there are numerous non-surgical treatment options available that can help alleviate pain and manage symptoms. At Orthopedic Specialty Institute (OSI), we are dedicated to helping you explore every possible treatment to improve your quality of life without the need for surgery.
About Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time, leading to pain, inflammation, and stiffness. This condition can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as walking, standing, or climbing stairs. While knee arthritis can affect anyone, it is more common in older adults or those with a history of knee injuries.
Fortunately, there are several non-surgical treatment options available that can help reduce pain and improve mobility. Let’s explore the most common options.
Non-surgical Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for knee arthritis. A personalized physical therapy program focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, improving flexibility, and reducing pain. At OSI, Dr. Martin Weaver specializes in sports medicine and works with our physical therapy team to help design a customized physical therapy plan to address your specific needs.
Benefits of Physical Therapy:
- Strengthens muscles surrounding the knee joint
- Improves range of motion and flexibility
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- Helps prevent further injury or deterioration of the joint
Physical therapy can be especially beneficial for individuals who want to maintain an active lifestyle despite their arthritis. By working with our experienced team, you can build the strength and flexibility needed to support your knee joint and alleviate pain.
Injections for Knee Arthritis
For individuals seeking additional relief from knee arthritis pain, injections can be a highly effective option. There are several types of injections available, each designed to reduce pain and inflammation or to help the knee joint function more smoothly.
1. Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to reduce inflammation and pain in the knee joint. These injections provide fast-acting relief and can be especially helpful for patients experiencing flare-ups of knee pain.
- How It Works: Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the knee joint, offering relief from pain and swelling.
- Effectiveness: Pain relief can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of your arthritis.
2. Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation)
Hyaluronic acid injections are another option for individuals with knee arthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the knee joint that helps lubricate and cushion the joint. With arthritis, the levels of hyaluronic acid decrease, leading to increased pain and stiffness.
- How It Works: These injections supplement the natural lubrication in your knee, helping to reduce friction and improve movement.
- Effectiveness: Patients may experience pain relief for several months, allowing them to stay active with reduced discomfort.
Lifestyle Modifications
In addition to physical therapy and injections, lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing knee arthritis. Making simple adjustments to your daily routine can help reduce stress on your knee joints and improve your overall quality of life.
Recommended Modifications:
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the strain on your knees and help alleviate arthritis pain.
- Low-impact Exercises: Activities such as swimming, cycling, or walking can improve mobility without putting excessive strain on your knees.
- Supportive Footwear: Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help reduce knee pain during everyday activities.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
While non-surgical treatments can effectively manage the symptoms of knee arthritis for many patients, there are cases where surgery may eventually be necessary. If pain persists or worsens despite these treatments, or if arthritis severely limits your mobility, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention.
At OSI, Dr. Erol Yoldas specializes in advanced knee surgeries, including knee replacement and reconstructive procedures. Our goal is to explore every non-surgical option first, ensuring that surgery is only considered when absolutely necessary.
Find Relief from Knee Arthritis Today
If you’re interested in knee arthritis treatment without surgery, the team at Orthopedic Specialty Institute is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward pain relief and improved knee function.