How to Deal With Arthritis in the Knee
The knee is an area that is frequently plagued by arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form that affects the knee. There are a number of ways to deal with the pain and minimize the deterioration of the joint.
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Instructions
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Evaluate and Treat
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Visit the doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan for arthritis in the knee. The doctor will probably prescribe anti-inflammatories to start. Depending on how intense the pain is and the damage to the joint, a physician may wait before doing any other treatment to see how the knee responds.
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Having therapy on the knee can help with the pain and keep the surrounding muscles strong. This can be in the form of physical therapy or occupational therapy. Exercises (water exercises are especially helpful to arthritis patients) can be introduced by physical therapists. Occupational therapists can suggest and help with new ways of doing everyday tasks such as putting on shoes or walking without bending the arthritic knee.
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Using braces, canes and walkers can help deal with arthritis in the knee. Sometimes they are needed just for times of extra pressure or exertion when the patient needs to walk farther than usual or be on his feet for a long period. The doctor and therapist will work together to see what is best to keep the arthritis from causing more damage to the knee and to keep the patient more comfortable.
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Injecting steroids or medications into the knee may be necessary if the pain does not improve or the joint deteriorates rapidly. Synvisc is one injectable medication that is used to help with arthritis of the knee. Over-the-counter supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin have proved helpful with arthritis.
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Undergoing surgery is usually the last resort for arthritis of the knee. Arthroscopic procedures can be done to prepare minor damage in ligaments or cartilage caused by arthritis. It has minimal recovery time. If the joint is badly damaged, a knee replacement may be suggested.
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Tips & Warnings
Carrying excess weight can worsen arthritis in the knee.
Never start a new treatment or change the prescribed one without consulting a doctor.
