One of the most prevalent conditions affecting countless patients of all ages is arthritis knee pain - in particular, Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). In spite of all discoveries in modern science, there is at present no specific cure for all types of arthritis knee pain.
Though there are certain physical therapy programs and various exercises intended to manage pain to a certain extent, their results depend primarily on the level of pain and the severity of arthritis afflicting the patient, among a number of other factors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
A popular form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis or RA, which at the onset appears with joint soreness or stiffness around the feet, elbows, hands, and knees. Frequently, the stiffness will begin in both sides of the body. Eventually, the RA patient will suffer from flu and fatigue, along with pains and ache as well as inflammation of the joint.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
On the other hand, if pain appears in any joint following a repetitive action, the condition is most likely a different form of arthritis known as Osteoarthritis (OA). For example, someone who has been an athlete for years may one day feel some severe pain in his/her knee for no apparent reason. Standard imaging tests such as X-rays can uncover problems in the cartilage of the knees, which weaken the joints and obstruct them from sticking together.
Osteoarthritis (OA) frequently involves the back, hips, fingers, and neck. Misshapen or swollen fingers are indicative of osteoarthritis. In some cases, patients with osteoarthritis may find it extremely difficult and even impossible to do even basic actions such as walking, sitting down, or standing up. In these cases, hip replacement surgery may be the best course of action.
There are a number of risk factors involved in osteoarthritis. Women are more predisposed to osteoarthritis compared to men. Additionally, age, obesity, and stress are also believed to play a role.
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 prescription medications can lessen pain, they are hardly able to cure it entirely. Nonetheless, new medications are being offered to control the painful symptoms of arthritis. Along with the usual medications, your physician can prescribe oral creams and salves. NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly preferred by most physicians. RA patients are frequently given anti-rheumatic medications or biologics, which can be injected regularly to restore the patient's normal bodily functions.
An additional technique that will likely prevent the profession of RA is regular knee exercises, including cycling, walking, and swimming. Regular knee exercises may help improve or restore the function of the affected joints. These knee exercise programs need not be stressful, given that even basic routines may do wonders to your joints. High impact exercises that can aggravate or damage 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.
Generally, if you opt to try standard or alternative treatments for arthritis knee pain, you are strongly advised to discuss your options with your physician before doing anything. - 15438
Though there are certain physical therapy programs and various exercises intended to manage pain to a certain extent, their results depend primarily on the level of pain and the severity of arthritis afflicting the patient, among a number of other factors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
A popular form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis or RA, which at the onset appears with joint soreness or stiffness around the feet, elbows, hands, and knees. Frequently, the stiffness will begin in both sides of the body. Eventually, the RA patient will suffer from flu and fatigue, along with pains and ache as well as inflammation of the joint.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
On the other hand, if pain appears in any joint following a repetitive action, the condition is most likely a different form of arthritis known as Osteoarthritis (OA). For example, someone who has been an athlete for years may one day feel some severe pain in his/her knee for no apparent reason. Standard imaging tests such as X-rays can uncover problems in the cartilage of the knees, which weaken the joints and obstruct them from sticking together.
Osteoarthritis (OA) frequently involves the back, hips, fingers, and neck. Misshapen or swollen fingers are indicative of osteoarthritis. In some cases, patients with osteoarthritis may find it extremely difficult and even impossible to do even basic actions such as walking, sitting down, or standing up. In these cases, hip replacement surgery may be the best course of action.
There are a number of risk factors involved in osteoarthritis. Women are more predisposed to osteoarthritis compared to men. Additionally, age, obesity, and stress are also believed to play a role.
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 prescription medications can lessen pain, they are hardly able to cure it entirely. Nonetheless, new medications are being offered to control the painful symptoms of arthritis. Along with the usual medications, your physician can prescribe oral creams and salves. NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly preferred by most physicians. RA patients are frequently given anti-rheumatic medications or biologics, which can be injected regularly to restore the patient's normal bodily functions.
An additional technique that will likely prevent the profession of RA is regular knee exercises, including cycling, walking, and swimming. Regular knee exercises may help improve or restore the function of the affected joints. These knee exercise programs need not be stressful, given that even basic routines may do wonders to your joints. High impact exercises that can aggravate or damage 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.
Generally, if you opt to try standard or alternative treatments for arthritis knee pain, you are strongly advised to discuss your options with your physician before doing anything. - 15438
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