The experience of knee osteoarthritis is extremely common for active individuals. It is especially common in those that have suffered previous injuries, those with extra weight, and those that are older in age. There seem to be several precursors to developing this debilitating and degenerative disease, but there are also ways to manage knee osteoarthritis.
According to the American Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Dr. Gwi-Chin Lee has a new update on the nonsurgical management of knee osteoarthritis. This information is in the January 2016 edition of the American Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
According to Dr. Lee, there are seven effective and scientifically proven ways to reduce and manage knee osteoarthritis pain. The following solutions are for those struggling to manage knee osteoarthritis.
Low Impact Aerobic Exercises
These exercises can reduce the pressure and impact felt when working out. Low impact aerobic exercises include: swimming, biking and yoga. These are great ways to maintain a healthy, pain-free lifestyle while continuing to do the things that you love. 
Weight Loss
Knee osteoarthritis affects individuals that are typically overweight. Combining exercises with weight loss will only improve your chances of managing your osteoarthritis pain. By losing weight, you will take added pressure off of your joints. This pressure loss will reduce the stress placed on these bones and joints.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is proven to reduce knee pain, improve knee function, and decrease stiffness. This surgery is often required for people carrying extra weight, but it has shown to be effective for managing osteoarthritis as well.
Pharmacological Agents
This report found that patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids were able to manage their knee pain and increase their level of activity. Take these oral medications as recommended by a physician.
Intra-articular Injections
Patients receiving cortisone or hyaluronic acid injections saw significantly decreased levels of pain. A physician administers these injections by placing a needle in or around you kneecap. These tend to offer quick relief while offering short-term benefits.
Physical Therapy
These individualized sessions have found to be more effective at treating osteoarthritis of the knee than those attending exercise classes or those exercising alone. Physical therapy is personalized, controlled and evaluated regularly which allows you and a professional to manage specific pain.
PRP
Platelet rich plasma has been studied in the management of osteoarthritis and it appears to be equally as effective as hyaluronic injections. This is an aggressive and also invasive option. You should consult your physician before receiving this treatment.
These seven options offer nonsurgical methods of managing and also reducing osteoarthritis of the knee. There are several positive approaches to treating osteoarthritis. Three options that are clinically proven to not be successful include: laser or needle acupuncture, Tylenol, and undergoing a knee arthroscopy. All of these options should be avoided. Only consider further treatment if the other seven solutions have failed to alleviate pain.
If you are experiencing knee pain or have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee, there are treatment options available. Call Orthopaedic Specialists at 502-212-2663 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Grossfeld today.
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