How to Treat Knee Arthritis?

my knee docThere are many different types of arthritis that the knee joint is susceptible to, but by far the most common is osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common. Patients with knee arthritis typically experience pain and swelling in the joints, and can find it difficult to move their knees freely due to stiffness.

There is no simple permanent cure that can relieve patients of their arthritis. However; a private knee doctor Cheshire can recommend treatments that help patients manage arthritic symptoms.

Available treatments can involve both surgical and non-surgical methods. It is always wise to consult with an knee expert to talk about the various treatments and find out what’s best for you.

Medications

Your private knee doctor Cheshire may recommend medications for relief from inflammation and pain. In case of rheumatoid arthritis, medications that delay the progression of the condition  also known as disease modifying agents (DMARD) , may be prescribed.

Medications may cause side-effects, and can sometimes affect  other medications that you may be already taking. It is important to give details regarding your existing medication to your private knee doctor Cheshire, to ensure you get safe and efficient treatment.

Physical Therapy

Your doctor may recommend a customised physical therapy programme to better the range of motion of the affected joint. Physical therapy is known to ease arthritis symptoms and strength the knee.

Lifestyle Changes

Your private knee doctor Cheshire may recommend the following for better arthritis management:

  • Maintain a healthy weight to remove strain on knee joints
  • Replace exercises that are stressful for the knee (e.g., running) with low-impact activities (e.g., swimming)
  • Avoid or decrease daily activities that increase stress on the knee

Supportive Devices

Devices that help increase flexibility of the knee may be recommended. Devices such as cane, shock-proof footwear and knee braces enable you to manage pain and perform daily activities with less discomfort.

Arthroscopy

This is a surgical procedure in which tiny incisions are made on the joint to diagnose existent knee problem. This surgery is often used to diagnose and treat knee issues accompanying arthritis. For example, a knee meniscus tear in an arthritic patient can be diagnosed and treated with this method.

Osteotomy

This surgical procedure is recommended to treat osteoarthritis in its early stages. Surgery involves re-alignment of knee and leg bones to remove added pressure on the joints. This decreases knee pain and improves mobility.

Synovectomy

This surgery is recommended for rheumatoid arthritis. The lining of the knee joint damaged by the arthritis is surgically removed to ease symptoms.

Arthroplasty

Artificial knee joints and bones are fixed in place of damaged parts to restore joint function.

Consulting an expert private knee doctor Cheshire is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. At My Knee Doc, we give you expert information on knee conditions and access to knee specialists.

Being well-informed enables you to be an active participant in decision-making. You can cooperate with your specialist in choosing a treatment that best responds to your knee condition.

Call 01614646399 now to schedule a consultation with one of our knee experts.