One of the most prevalent diseases affecting numerous patients regardless of age is arthritis knee pain - in particular, Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Despite all discoveries in modern science, there is at present no lasting cure for all forms of arthritis knee pain.
Though there are different physical therapy programs and various exercises intended to manage pain to a certain extent, the results depend primarily on the level of pain and the stage of arthritis present, among several other factors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
A popular type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which at first appears with joint stiffness or soreness in the knees, feet, hands, and elbows. Frequently, the stiffness will begin in both sides. Ultimately, the individual will experience flu and fatigue, along with aches and pains and joint inflammation.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
On the other hand, if pain manifests in any joint after a repetitive action, this is most likely a different type of arthritis called Osteoarthritis or OA. For instance, a long-term athlete may one day feel some excruciating pain in the knee for no apparent reason. Standard imaging tests such as X-rays will be able to show problems in the cartilage of the knees, which weaken the joints and inhibit them from sticking together.
Osteoarthritis often afflicts the hips, neck, fingers, and back. Swollen or misshapen fingers are indicative of osteoarthritis. In serious cases, OA patients may find it nearly impossible to perform even simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, or walking. In such cases, hip replacement surgery may be deemed necessary.
There are certain risk factors involved in OA. Females have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than males. Moreover, stress, obesity, and age are risk factors, among others.
Arthritis Knee Pain Treatment Methods
A well-known method for treating arthritis is knee braces, either custom-made or off-the-shelf. Off-the-shelf are knee braces that generally fit in your knees, while custom-made knee braces are those that are more expensive and customized to fit not only your knee but your specific condition as well.
Though prescribed meds may help manage pain, they are rarely able to get rid of it entirely. However, new medications are being touted to curb chronic pain due to arthritis. Along with the usual medications, doctors may recommend salves and creams for oral application. NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually the first choice for most physicians. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are often given biologics or anti-rheumatic medications, which may be injected regularly to restore the patient's normal bodily functions.
Another method that can inhibit the progression of rheumatoid arthritis is doing regular knee exercises, like walking, cycling, and swimming. Regular exercise programs may help restore or improve the function of the affected joints. These exercises need not be strenuous, as even basic steps may work wonders for the joints. Taxing exercises that may further damage or aggravate your joints must be firmly avoided.
In severe cases, chemotherapy and knee surgery may be the best form of treatment. Alternative treatments such as magnetic pulse therapy and acupuncture, to name a few, have also become popular these days, owing to the numerous patients who swear to their efficiency.
In conclusion, if you want to try either alternative or standard treatment systems for arthritis knee pain, you're strongly advised to discuss your options with your physician before everything else.
Though there are different physical therapy programs and various exercises intended to manage pain to a certain extent, the results depend primarily on the level of pain and the stage of arthritis present, among several other factors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
A popular type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which at first appears with joint stiffness or soreness in the knees, feet, hands, and elbows. Frequently, the stiffness will begin in both sides. Ultimately, the individual will experience flu and fatigue, along with aches and pains and joint inflammation.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
On the other hand, if pain manifests in any joint after a repetitive action, this is most likely a different type of arthritis called Osteoarthritis or OA. For instance, a long-term athlete may one day feel some excruciating pain in the knee for no apparent reason. Standard imaging tests such as X-rays will be able to show problems in the cartilage of the knees, which weaken the joints and inhibit them from sticking together.
Osteoarthritis often afflicts the hips, neck, fingers, and back. Swollen or misshapen fingers are indicative of osteoarthritis. In serious cases, OA patients may find it nearly impossible to perform even simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, or walking. In such cases, hip replacement surgery may be deemed necessary.
There are certain risk factors involved in OA. Females have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than males. Moreover, stress, obesity, and age are risk factors, among others.
Arthritis Knee Pain Treatment Methods
A well-known method for treating arthritis is knee braces, either custom-made or off-the-shelf. Off-the-shelf are knee braces that generally fit in your knees, while custom-made knee braces are those that are more expensive and customized to fit not only your knee but your specific condition as well.
Though prescribed meds may help manage pain, they are rarely able to get rid of it entirely. However, new medications are being touted to curb chronic pain due to arthritis. Along with the usual medications, doctors may recommend salves and creams for oral application. NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually the first choice for most physicians. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are often given biologics or anti-rheumatic medications, which may be injected regularly to restore the patient's normal bodily functions.
Another method that can inhibit the progression of rheumatoid arthritis is doing regular knee exercises, like walking, cycling, and swimming. Regular exercise programs may help restore or improve the function of the affected joints. These exercises need not be strenuous, as even basic steps may work wonders for the joints. Taxing exercises that may further damage or aggravate your joints must be firmly avoided.
In severe cases, chemotherapy and knee surgery may be the best form of treatment. Alternative treatments such as magnetic pulse therapy and acupuncture, to name a few, have also become popular these days, owing to the numerous patients who swear to their efficiency.
In conclusion, if you want to try either alternative or standard treatment systems for arthritis knee pain, you're strongly advised to discuss your options with your physician before everything else.
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