Knee injuries are common in workplaces. Everyday activities such as bending over, kneeling, and standing wear down the knee over time. Knee problems are common for construction, factory, or warehouse workers, but they might occur in people in all employment sectors. Arthritis is a common problem and the leading cause of disability in the United States. In this article, you can find 4 recommended treatments for knee arthritis. Visit Specialty Care Clinics for quality treatment of knee arthritis.
WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. Depending on the number of joints affected by this condition, arthritis can be further classified as :
- Polyarthritis (4 joints affected)
- Oligoarthritis (2 or 3 joints affected)
- Monoarthritis (1 joint affected)
Patients usually ask what is the most common cause of this health problem, and unfortunately, there is no single answer to this question, may be due to metabolic disorders such as gout, infections, or simply a family history.
TREATMENTS FOR KNEE ARTHRITIS
The main goal of treating knee arthritis is to relieve pain and restore mobility. The most commonly used treatment regimens include a combination of the following :
Weight loss
There are two reasons why being overweight makes arthritis pain worse: First, carrying around additional weight puts strain on your joints that cause pain and second, inflammatory mediators found in fat may impact joint tissues and lead to pain and suffering. Not only does losing weight (even a few pounds!) lessen the strain on your joints, but it can also enhance joint functionality, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall health of the patient.
Injections
Injections are an option for treating arthritis when nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen no longer help control pain. Cortisone injections target inflamed joints. Physicians use them to provide relief for their patients that last for weeks or months by delivering the drug directly to the painful area. There are no serious side effects. However, regular injections can weaken ligaments, tendons, and bones. Some doctors use hyaluronic acid to help patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Five injections are available in the US, Orthovisc, Supporatz, Synvisc, Euflexxa, and Hyalgan. Do not use injections if the patient is taking blood thinners.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is known to be an excellent treatment for multiple injuries and conditions. Exercise with arthritis may seem contradictory, but lack of exercise will only make arthritic joints stiffer and more painful. It is important to consult a certified therapist. Under professional supervision, arthritis sufferers can work to regain their initial range of motion, regain their ability to function, control inflammation, and strengthen the muscles that support their joints.
Surgery
Surgery is an option when other treatments do not work. There are different types of surgery that are highly dependent on the patient’s age, anatomy, and underlying medical conditions. The most common surgical treatments are :
- Osteotomy :- This is an appropriate option for younger patients with small areas affected by arthritis. The aim is to change the shape of the bones to align the knee properly.
- Arthroscopy :- This procedure allows the surgeon to view the joint space by using a tiny telescope. He cleans the surface of the bone, removes damaged cartilage, and repairs any additional tissue damage by performing small incisions. For those under 60, this kind of surgery is frequently suggested.
- Arthroplasty (Total Knee Replacement) :- This is usually recommended for those over the age of 50 who have severe arthritis. The goal of surgery is to replace the joint with an artificial part made of metal or plastic. In the future, it may be necessary to replace the artificial joint. Nevertheless, thanks to the latest advances in technology, the approximate time it takes for a new joint to wear out has stretched to 20 years.
For knee arthritis treatment visit Specialty Care Clinics. We provide the best worker’s compensation in Texas. Call (469) 545-9983 to schedule an appointment.