One way to treat arthritis in the knee is by focusing on low-impact activities. As with other joints, low-impact activities are safer than high-impact ones. Whenever possible, avoid high-impact sports or activities while in treatment. You can also use physical therapy exercises for arthritis knee pain relief, which can help improve your strength and range of motion.
Depending on the severity of the disease, your doctor may suggest surgery to replace the damaged joint. This procedure involves replacing worn-out surfaces with artificial ones made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. It can be performed on the whole knee or on part of it. Patients with severe arthritis in the knee should consider arthroplasty if they are older than 50 and are suffering from debilitating symptoms. The procedure usually has good results, but it is not without risk.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of arthritis in the knee. It begins as a loss of smooth articulate cartilage covering the femur and tibia bones. It also involves the menisci (joint) that serves as a shock absorber. As the disease progresses, the pain may become more intense and can even expose the bone. Treatment is critical to relieve pain and restore function.
The first step in treatment is to consult your doctor. An initial examination will help determine the type of arthritis you have. Your doctor may order blood tests, muscle tests, and flexibility tests. They may also perform imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs. A specialist may also order arthrocentesis, a procedure that removes fluid and other debris from the knee joint.