Advanced Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: How Non-Invasive, Pain-Free Therapies are Improving Quality of Life
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the knee joint. It is the most common form of arthritis, and it occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint breaks down over time.
This can cause the bones in the knee joint to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Knee osteoarthritis can develop due to aging, wear, and tear, or previous injuries to the knee joint.
What are the main causes of Knee osteoarthritis?
The leading causes of knee osteoarthritis are generally related to a combination of factors that can lead to the gradual breakdown of the cartilage in the knee joint.
These are some of the most common causes of knee osteoarthritis.
- Aging: The risk of developing knee osteoarthritis increases as the body’s ability to repair and maintain the joint cartilage decreases. Poor physical health and not being involved in physical activities later on are the contributing factors to this condition.
- Wear and Tear: Overuse and repetitive stress on the knee joint can cause damage to the cartilage and lead to osteoarthritis over time. This can happen due to running, jumping, or other high-impact sports.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can put extra stress on the knee joint, accelerating the cartilage’s wear and tear. As the cartilage’s primary function is to enhance bone flexibility and resistance and provide support to the
- Injuries: Previous injuries to the knee joint, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life. It often happens when the bone doesn’t recover completely, increasing the chances.
- Genetics: Some people may be more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis due to genetic factors, including inherited abnormalities in joint shape or function.
- Other factors: Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may also increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. It’s important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, not everyone with these risk factors will necessarily develop the condition.
- Similarly, not all cases of knee osteoarthritis are preventable. Still, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition or to manage symptoms if it does occur.
Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis.
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the knee joint. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the cushioning tissue that covers the ends of the bones that make up the knee joint.
One can observe these common knee symptoms of this condition to spot the disease.
- Pain: Knee pain is the most common symptom of knee osteoarthritis. The pain is usually felt in the knee joint and can be worsened by weight-bearing activities, such as walking or standing for long periods of time. Pain can also occur when you bend or straighten the knee.
- Stiffness: Knee joint Stiffness is another common symptom of knee osteoarthritis. The stiffness is usually most noticeable in the morning or after sitting for long periods. You may not be able to move your joint comfortably.
- Swelling: Swelling in the knee joint may occur due to inflammation. The swelling may be accompanied by warmth and tenderness in the affected area.
- Clicking or popping sounds: Some people with knee osteoarthritis may hear clicking or popping sounds when they move their knee joint. This is due to the changes in the joint caused by osteoarthritis. This also shows the strengths of bones.
- Reduced range of motion: As knee osteoarthritis progresses, the joint may become less flexible, and the range of motion may become limited. This can make it difficult to perform everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs.
- Weakness: Knee osteoarthritis can also cause weakness in the affected leg due to pain and limited mobility. This makes it difficult to stand or walk for long periods.
Treatments to opt for Knee osteoarthritis.
These are the best treatment modalities offered by healthcare providers and are proven to be favorable in treating Knee osteoarthritis.
Several advanced treatments for knee osteoarthritis can help manage pain and improve mobility.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets, growth factors, and other healing components derived from your own blood into the knee joint. This can help promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy is quickly becoming a popular treatment option for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis. By injecting stem cells into the joint cavity, this therapy has the potential to reduce inflammation, repair damaged tissue, and even reverse damage caused by the condition. It’s an exciting new way to treat this painful condition, and it may be able to provide relief where other treatments have failed.
Stem cells possess an unprecedented ability to adapt and become different kinds of tissue in the body. Moreover, this distinct ability sets them apart from normal cells that are bound by the blueprints stored in their DNA and are unable to alter themselves.. This makes stem cells capable of evolving and adapting to various functions in our bodies.
- Hyaluronic acid injections: Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the joint fluid that helps lubricate and cushion the knee joint. Injections of hyaluronic acid can help reduce pain and improve mobility. Hyaluronic acid is inserted under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare practitioner.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure involves using heat generated by radio waves to destroy damaged nerve tissue in the knee joint, which can help reduce pain. The main intention of this process is to, provide heat lesions to genicular nerves. As these nerves play a vital role in conveying pain indications to joints to the brain.
- Knee braces: Knee braces can help provide support and stability to the knee joint, reducing pain and improving mobility. This is the easiest way to support your joint and in most cases the orthopaedist recommends it to wear. These braces are made of comfortable, sweat-observing material that feels lighter and can be worn all day.
- Arthroscopic surgery is primarily is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves using a small camera and specialized instruments to remove damaged tissue and bone from the knee joint, reducing pain and improving mobility.
- It’s necessary to note that the most appropriate treatment for knee osteoarthritis will depend on the individual patient’s specific condition and needs. Don’t forget to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.
How to get rid of knee pain with pain-free therapy?
This is the most frequently asked question of knee pain sufferers how to get rid of knee pain with painfree therapy? So here is how you can have such treatments that are free from the incision. As most people get scared of getting cuts on their skin for operational purposes.
Have a healthy weight: If you are currently overweight, losing weight can benefit your knee joint pain. Losing a few lbs will help you have the stability of your bones, decrease joint strain, and improve your cardiovascular. You should consult your doctor about your weight management for better results.
Regular exercises: Maintaining regular activities can impact your health positively. Experts recommend following a strict daily exercise routine to be productive and improve mental well-being. Practice stretching, balancing, and stability exercises. Moreover, you can do cycling, yoga, jogging, simple walking, etc.