Symptom Management and Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that damages the knee and can cause considerable pain and disability. It develops when the cartilage between the femur and tibia wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact and stiffness.
Knee osteoarthritis symptoms can significantly impact a person's quality of life and ability to engage in daily activities. Fortunately, various treatment options can effectively manage the condition and reduce symptoms.
How is Knee Osteoarthritis Treated?
Because knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, long-term treatment and management are essential to minimizing symptoms and slowing its progression.
Maintaining an optimal weight through a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise is highly effective in mitigating symptoms. However, patients enduring significant pain and discomfort might achieve symptom relief through genicular artery embolization (GAE).
GAE is a non-invasive treatment approach that decreases blood flow to the knee's soft tissue lining, dramatically reducing pain and inflammation. Moreover, the treatment can reduce the need for knee replacement surgery, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking a long-term solution to manage their knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
Can Lifestyle Changes Treat Knee Osteoarthritis?
While knee osteoarthritis has no cure, several strategies can help manage the symptoms and relieve knee pain.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight adds stress to your knee joints, worsening the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Keeping a healthy weight can reduce the strain on your knees and alleviate pain.
Exercise Regularly
Engaging in regular exercise is crucial for managing knee osteoarthritis pain. Low-impact activities like walking, cycling, and swimming can help build and strengthen the surrounding muscles surrounding and improve flexibility. Consult a credentialed physical therapist or healthcare provider specializing in orthopedics to develop an exercise routine tailored to your needs.
Use Heat or Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy can provide temporary relief from knee pain. A hot compress or warm shower can help relax the muscles and alleviate stiffness. On the other hand, cold therapy, such as applying an ice pack, can lower inflammation and numb the area, providing pain relief. Alternate between heat and cold therapy to find what works best for you.
Wear Supportive Footwear
Choosing appropriate footwear is essential to minimize knee pain. Wear shoes with effective arch support and cushioning to lower the impact on your knee joints. Consider using insoles or orthotics if necessary. Avoid high heels and shoes that lack proper support, as they can worsen knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
Drugstore pain medications, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help alleviate knee pain caused by knee osteoarthritis. Before using any medication, please consult a healthcare provider to determine whether it is safe and appropriate.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. A physical therapist can show you how to perform exercises that build the muscles around the knee joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. They can also provide manual therapy techniques and educate you about proper body mechanics to minimize knee strain.
Texas Knee Institute: Providing Long-Term Knee Pain Relief
Texas Knee Institute is proud to provide innovative, accessible, and effective treatment options for knee osteoarthritis. We offer a team of highly skilled and experienced physicians who specialize in non-surgical interventions for knee osteoarthritis.
Texas Knee Institute has a proven track record of delivering exceptional patient outcomes and high satisfaction levels. Patients who have undergone minimally invasive genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis report significant pain relief, improved functionality, and a decreased reliance on pain medications.
Our commitment to patient-centered care and our expertise in GAE have established us as a leader in providing effective non-surgical treatment options for knee osteoarthritis. To learn more about GAE or to schedule an appointment,schedule an appointment,schedule an appointment, please contact our helpful representatives today.
