One of the most common conditions affecting several people regardless of age is arthritis knee pain - specifically Osteoarthritis (a.k.a. OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (a.k.a. RA). In spite of all advances in modern science, there is still no long-term cure for all forms of arthritis knee pain.
Although there are certain physical therapy programs and various exercises intended to control pain to a certain extent, the outcome depends mostly on the extent of pain and the severity of arthritis afflicting the patient, among several other factors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
A quite common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which at the onset entails joint soreness or stiffness around the hands, feet, knees, and elbows. Typically, the stiffness will begin in both sides. Eventually, the afflicted patient will feel some fatigue and flu-like symptoms, plus aches and pains as well as inflammation of the joint.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
In contrast, if pain is experienced in any joint immediately after a repetitive action, this could indicate a different type of arthritis called Osteoarthritis or OA. For example, a long-term professional athlete may one day experience pain in the knee without any apparent reason. An X-ray can uncover any knee cartilage problems, which can 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 various risk factors for osteoarthritis. Women have a higher risk of developing OA than males. Additionally, stress, age, and obesity are also risk factors.
Arthritis Knee Pain Treatment Methods
A popular method for treating arthritis is knee braces, either custom-made or off-the-shelf. Off-the-shelf are braces that generally fit in your knees, whereas custom-made braces are those that are more expensive and designed 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.
Another method that can prevent the profession of the disease is doing regular arthritis knee exercises, such as walking, cycling, and swimming. Regular knee exercise programs may help restore or improve the function of the affected joints. These knee exercises need not be strenuous, because even basic steps can positively impact your joints. High impact exercises that may aggravate or damage your joints should be strictly avoided.
In severe cases, knee surgeries and chemotherapy may be the last recourse. Alternative treatment methods like acupuncture and magnetic pulse therapy, to name a few, have also become popular at present, thanks to the many users who attest to their effectiveness.
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. - 15437
Although there are certain physical therapy programs and various exercises intended to control pain to a certain extent, the outcome depends mostly on the extent of pain and the severity of arthritis afflicting the patient, among several other factors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
A quite common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which at the onset entails joint soreness or stiffness around the hands, feet, knees, and elbows. Typically, the stiffness will begin in both sides. Eventually, the afflicted patient will feel some fatigue and flu-like symptoms, plus aches and pains as well as inflammation of the joint.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
In contrast, if pain is experienced in any joint immediately after a repetitive action, this could indicate a different type of arthritis called Osteoarthritis or OA. For example, a long-term professional athlete may one day experience pain in the knee without any apparent reason. An X-ray can uncover any knee cartilage problems, which can 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 various risk factors for osteoarthritis. Women have a higher risk of developing OA than males. Additionally, stress, age, and obesity are also risk factors.
Arthritis Knee Pain Treatment Methods
A popular method for treating arthritis is knee braces, either custom-made or off-the-shelf. Off-the-shelf are braces that generally fit in your knees, whereas custom-made braces are those that are more expensive and designed 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.
Another method that can prevent the profession of the disease is doing regular arthritis knee exercises, such as walking, cycling, and swimming. Regular knee exercise programs may help restore or improve the function of the affected joints. These knee exercises need not be strenuous, because even basic steps can positively impact your joints. High impact exercises that may aggravate or damage your joints should be strictly avoided.
In severe cases, knee surgeries and chemotherapy may be the last recourse. Alternative treatment methods like acupuncture and magnetic pulse therapy, to name a few, have also become popular at present, thanks to the many users who attest to their effectiveness.
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. - 15437
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