Osteoarthritis Treatment without Surgery

Are creaky knees and discomfort making you consider surgery for osteoarthritis? 

Hold on, because relief might not require going under the knife. 

Among all osteoarthritis cases, knee osteoarthritis accounts for around four-fifths of cases, increasing with obesity and age. But surgery isn’t the only path; there are simpler, effective alternatives that can ease your pain and improve symptoms.

So let’s learn about the options for osteoarthritis knee treatment without surgery, without the hassle of surgery. Remember, the operating room doesn’t necessarily hold the key to osteoarthritis knee relief!

But before that let’s understand what is knee osteoarthritis. 

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint condition that primarily affects the knee’s cartilage, the protective tissue covering the ends of bones in the joint. 

As the cartilage breaks down over time, bones may rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Factors like aging, genetics, joint injuries, and obesity can contribute to the development of knee osteoarthritis. 

What are the causes of knee osteoarthritis?

As said before, knee osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in your knee joint wears down or sustains damage. This articular cartilage, which acts as a durable, rubbery tissue at the ends of your bones, facilitates bending and movement. Similar to a car’s shock absorber, the cartilage absorbs shock from pressure on the knee.

The factors contributing to the wearing out or damage of knee joint cartilage include:

Excess Weight

If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, you’re seven times more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than someone with a lower BMI.

Knee Injuries

Past or current knee injuries can lead to the deterioration of cartilage.

Occupational or Sports Stress

Frequently subjecting your knee to stress at work or during sports activities can contribute to cartilage wear.

Heredity

Inheriting a tendency to develop knee osteoarthritis increases the risk.

Structural Issues

Having misaligned bones or joints, such as knocked knees, is another potential factor.

Gender

People aged 55 and above, particularly women, have a higher likelihood of developing knee osteoarthritis compared to men.

Other illnesses

People diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the second most prevalent form of arthritis, face an increased likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. Additionally, those with specific metabolic disorders, like iron overload or excess growth hormone, are at a higher risk of osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis?

Here are the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis:

1. Difficulty in mobility, making it challenging to get in and out of chairs or cars, use stairs, or walk.
2. Swelling in the knee.
3. A creaking or crackling sound occurs when the knee moves.
4. Stiffness in the knee, especially noticeable in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting.
5. Pain that intensifies with activity but improves to some extent with rest.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for knee osteoarthritis?

Here are the non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis

Weight Loss:

Shedding even a small amount of weight, if necessary, can significantly reduce knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Exercise:

Strengthening the muscles around the knee enhances joint stability and reduces pain. Stretching exercises contribute to maintaining knee joint mobility and flexibility.

Pain Relievers and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs:

Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium can help alleviate pain and inflammation. It’s important not to use over-the-counter medications for more than 10 days without consulting a doctor. If needed, prescription anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended.

Injections:

Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections into the knee can provide relief. Steroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs, while hyaluronic acid acts as lubricating fluid in the joints.

Alternative Therapies:

Considerations like topical creams with capsaicin, acupuncture, and supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, or SAMe may offer relief.

Braces:

Two types of braces are available: “unloader” braces, which shift weight away from the affected side of the knee, and “support” braces, which provide overall knee support.

Physical and Occupational Therapy: 

If daily activities pose challenges, physical therapy assists in strengthening muscles and enhancing joint flexibility. Occupational therapy focuses on making routine activities, like housework, more manageable with less pain.

Stem cell therapy:

Stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis involves the use of your body’s regenerative cells to promote healing in damaged joint tissues. These cells have the potential to reduce inflammation and stimulate the growth of new, healthy cartilage. This innovative approach holds promise for improving pain and function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Here you need to remember that the choice between non-surgical and surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis depends on the severity of your condition. 

In many cases, non-surgical treatments are effective in managing symptoms. However, your doctor may suggest surgery if conservative measures fail to provide relief. 

The decision is completely individual and you need to discuss it with a healthcare professional based on your specific circumstances and needs.

What are the stages of knee osteoarthritis and what their treatment is?

Here are five stages of osteoarthritis and the treatment options according to them:

Stage 0 (Normal): 

At this stage, your knees are healthy, and you don’t have arthritis of the knee.

Treatment for Stage 0

For Stage 0 knee osteoarthritis, where the knees are healthy and there is no arthritis present, the primary focus is on preventive measures and maintaining joint health. Regular Exercise, Weight Management, a balanced diet, joint-friendly activities, proper posture and body mechanics, and regular checkups will keep this knee issue at bay. 

Stage 1 (Minor): 

In this stage, there is some wear and tear in your knee joint, typically without noticeable pain.

Osteoarthritis knee treatment without surgery for Stage 1

For Stage 1 (Minor) knee osteoarthritis, characterized by some wear and tear in the knee joint without noticeable pain, treatment options include conservative measures. 

you can do low-impact exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles, weight management to reduce joint stress, and the use of over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. But Monitor your joint health through regular check-ups to keep a tab on any changes in symptoms or progression.

Stage 2 (Mild): 

The mild stage involves the onset of pain and stiffness, though sufficient cartilage remains to prevent direct contact between the bones.

Treatment for Stage 2

For Stage 2 (mild) knee osteoarthritis, treatment options typically involve managing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the condition. This may include a combination of

Exercise and Physical Therapy 

Engaging in targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve joint stability, and reduce pain and stiffness.

Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to alleviate discomfort. In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend prescription medications based on individual needs.

Stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis is often considered in the early to moderate stages of the condition, aiming to address cartilage damage and promote regeneration before advanced degeneration occurs. You can use this therapy to stop your condition from further deterioration. 

Stage 3 (Moderate): 

At the moderate stage, the pain intensifies, especially during activities like running, walking, squatting, and kneeling. Discomfort may be more noticeable after extended periods of rest, such as in the morning. Increased pain is attributed to further cartilage narrowing and the presence of bone spurs.

Treatment for Stage 3

For Stage 3 (Moderate) knee osteoarthritis, treatment options typically involve a combination of non-surgical interventions. These may include physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility, pain management with medications or injections, and lifestyle modifications to reduce stress on the knee. 

In some cases, assistive devices such as braces may be recommended to support the joint, aiming to alleviate pain and enhance mobility.

Stage 4 (Severe)

Severe osteoarthritis indicates nearly complete cartilage loss. Your knee becomes stiff, painful, and potentially immobile, often requiring surgical intervention.

Treatment for Stage 4

For Stage 4 (severe) knee osteoarthritis, non-surgical treatment options aim to manage symptoms and improve mobility. 

These may include a combination of pain medications, such as analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, assistive devices like braces for support, and lifestyle modifications to ease daily activities. 

However, in some cases, when non-surgical methods are insufficient, surgical interventions like knee replacement may be considered. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial for personalized guidance based on the severity of the condition.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you want to opt for non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis, you should know that they offer practical alternatives for those seeking relief. 

From lifestyle changes and physical therapy to medications and cutting-edge approaches like regenerative medicine, there’s a range of options that you can consider. 

The key takeaway for you is that you can manage pain, improve functionality, and enhance your overall well-being without resorting to surgery. By taking a proactive approach and working with healthcare professionals, you can pursue a holistic and sustainable path toward better joint health. 

Also, stem cell therapy can play a vital role in your healing process and MedicoExperts can be your partner in your healing journey. To know more contact us today.

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10219560/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7868850/
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925