Inflammatory Degenerative Arthritis
Treatment
Treatment of knee osteoarthritis is based on the patient’s needs, lifestyle and health.
Nonsurgical:
Surgical:
Nonsurgical:
- Exercise
- Weight Control
- Rest
- Hot and cold packs
- TENS
- Massage
- Nutritional Supplements
- Medications – acetaminophen, NSAIDS, and narcotics
- Braces for shoes
- Chronic pain class
Surgical:
- Cortisone shots
- Hyaluronic acid substitutes injections
- Bone realignment
- Joint replacement surgery
Prevention
- Avoid squatting, kneeling, and carrying heavy loads
- Avoid becoming overweight (maintain body weight)
- Avoid knee injuries (fractures, ligament tears, or meniscal injuries)
- Avoid joint injuries
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Maintain proper posture
- Monitor any symptoms of pain
Education
- Provide resources to help your patient learn about the disease and how to improve their quality of life through self-management programs and support groups.
- Advise your patient to be physically active to promote strength, endurance, balance, and well-being.
- Encourage them to eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Encourage them to get adequate rest each night.
References
Handout on health: Osteoarthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/default.asp. Accessed Jun. 22, 2012.
Takeda, H., Nakagawa, T., Nakamura, K. & Engebretsen. Prevention and management of knee osteoarthritis and knee cartilage injury in sports. Br J Sports Med. 2011; 45:304-309.
Takeda, H., Nakagawa, T., Nakamura, K. & Engebretsen. Prevention and management of knee osteoarthritis and knee cartilage injury in sports. Br J Sports Med. 2011; 45:304-309.