Arthritis Knee Pain – Part 3 - Health Plus Digest

The goal of treatment is to decrease pain in the joints through a multidisciplinary team approach. Patients are often evaluated and treated by physical therapists, who help develop programs to improve muscle strength, function and range of motion. Physicians and pharmacists work together to find adequate medical pain control while social services are brought into play to help individuals find support in the community and act as a liaison in the workplace. (6)

Individuals who have arthritis in the knee will also find benefit from using a cane held in the hand opposite from the side with the arthritis. The cane should be of correct height which any medical supply company can adjust. Weight loss is another significant portion of treatment in order to decrease load bearing on the knee.

Some individuals find relief from mild to moderate pain using cortisone injections into the joints. It is not recommended more than every two to three months. While an ace bandage may be helpful to control swelling and give some psychological benefit, knee braces are generally not helpful. However, recent special braces developed specifically for individuals with osteoarthritis in the knee as well as wedged shoes have been found to decrease the load bearing on the joints and therefore the pain and degeneration of the cartilage.

Individuals who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee often find that their lifestyle changes over time and as the disease progresses they lose more and more function. However, with some minor dietary changes, weight loss, exercise and support using a cane many are able to continue to function well in their daily lives with only minor adjustments.

References:

(1) Medline Plus: Knee Pain

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003187.htm

(2)Trends in Molecular Medicine: Recent Advances in the Genetic Investigation of Osteoarthritis

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15823757

(3) NHS Choices: Osteoarthritis – Symptoms

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Osteoarthritis/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

(4) Johns Hopkins Medicine health Library: Osteoarthritis

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/arthritis_and_other_rheumatic_diseases/osteoarthritis_85,P00061/

(5) American College of Rheumatology: Women with Strong Thigh Muscles Protected from Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

http://www.rheumatology.org/about/newsroom/2009/2009_08_06.asp

(6) Annal of Rheumatic Diseases: Aerobic Walking or Strengthening Exercise for Osteoarthritis of the Knee