One form of arthritis in the knee joint occurs as a result of degeneration of the cartilage in your knee. Osteoarthritis is commonly referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis or degenerative arthritis, and is the most common cause for total knee replacement surgery. Due to osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the knee breaks down over time and the result is a severely damaged joint surface with bone rubbing on bone. This process may occur as a result of previous trauma to the joint, ligament instability, or abnormal stresses to the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory process that results in erosion of the articular cartilage and subsequent damage to the knee joint surface.
Listed below are several non-surgical, and surgical options to consider for treatment of the arthritic knee:
- Lifestyle Modification
losing weight, avoiding aggravating activities, modifying exercise to low impact activities only
- Exercises
specifically prescribed to improve strength and flexibility without exacerbating your pain
- Anti-inflammatory Medications
designed to decrease swelling in the joint and provide temporary pain relief
- Corticosteroid Injection
powerful anti-inflammatory agent injected directly into the joint
- Joint Fluid Therapy
a series of injections directly into your knee, designed to improve lubrication in the joint
- Glucosamine/Chondroitin
dietary supplement that may relieve arthritic pain
- Bracing
used to provide external stability to the knee joint
- Arthroscopic Surgery
minimally invasive procedure to remove debris or repair torn cartilage
- Total Knee Replacement Surgery
surgical procedure that replaces all three compartments of the knee.
All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.
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