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 a number of exercises and physical therapy programs intended to control pain to a certain extent, the outcome depends mostly on the level of pain and the stage of arthritis afflicting the patient, among a number of other factors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
A popular type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which at the onset appears with joint stiffness or soreness in the elbows, feet, knees, and hands. Typically, the stiffness will come from both sides of the body. As the condition progresses, the RA sufferer will feel some flu and fatigue, accompanied by aches and pains as well as inflammation of the joint.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Conversely, if pain appears in any joint after a repetitive action, this is most likely a different form of arthritis called Osteoarthritis (OA). To demonstrate, a long-term athlete may one day experience excruciating pain in the knee without any apparent reason. X-rays can discover any knee cartilage problems, which can weaken the joints and prevent them from sticking together.
OA frequently affects the hips, neck, fingers, and back. Misshapen or swollen fingers are tell-tale signs of OA. In serious cases, OA sufferers may find it extremely difficult and even impossible to do even ordinary activities such as standing up, walking, or sitting down. In these situations, 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 prescribed meds may help manage pain, they are rarely able to get rid of it entirely. However, new medications are being touted to curb chronic pain due to arthritis. Along with the usual medications, doctors may recommend salves and creams for oral application. NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually the first choice for most physicians. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are often given biologics or anti-rheumatic medications, which may be injected regularly to restore the patient's normal bodily functions.
Another approach that may effectively inhibit the progression of the disease is regular knee exercises, including cycling, swimming, and walking. Knee exercises will help restore or improve the function of the affected joints. Such knee exercises don't have to be strenuous, given that even basic routines can improve your joints. Extreme exercises that can further damage or aggravate your joints should be strictly 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. - 16083
Though there are a number of exercises and physical therapy programs intended to control pain to a certain extent, the outcome depends mostly on the level of pain and the stage of arthritis afflicting the patient, among a number of other factors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
A popular type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which at the onset appears with joint stiffness or soreness in the elbows, feet, knees, and hands. Typically, the stiffness will come from both sides of the body. As the condition progresses, the RA sufferer will feel some flu and fatigue, accompanied by aches and pains as well as inflammation of the joint.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Conversely, if pain appears in any joint after a repetitive action, this is most likely a different form of arthritis called Osteoarthritis (OA). To demonstrate, a long-term athlete may one day experience excruciating pain in the knee without any apparent reason. X-rays can discover any knee cartilage problems, which can weaken the joints and prevent them from sticking together.
OA frequently affects the hips, neck, fingers, and back. Misshapen or swollen fingers are tell-tale signs of OA. In serious cases, OA sufferers may find it extremely difficult and even impossible to do even ordinary activities such as standing up, walking, or sitting down. In these situations, 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 prescribed meds may help manage pain, they are rarely able to get rid of it entirely. However, new medications are being touted to curb chronic pain due to arthritis. Along with the usual medications, doctors may recommend salves and creams for oral application. NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually the first choice for most physicians. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are often given biologics or anti-rheumatic medications, which may be injected regularly to restore the patient's normal bodily functions.
Another approach that may effectively inhibit the progression of the disease is regular knee exercises, including cycling, swimming, and walking. Knee exercises will help restore or improve the function of the affected joints. Such knee exercises don't have to be strenuous, given that even basic routines can improve your joints. Extreme exercises that can further damage or aggravate your joints should be strictly 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. - 16083
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