Managing Pain and Improving Mobility
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee can feel like a slow, uninvited companion—starting with mild discomfort but gradually making even the simplest tasks, like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods, feel like insurmountable challenges. If you’ve been living with knee OA, you might have felt frustrated by the limitations it places on your daily life, unsure of what options exist beyond medication or the possibility of surgery.
What many people don’t realize is that there are a variety of treatment approaches, both non-surgical and surgical, that can help alleviate pain and restore mobility. One promising option for those dealing with knee OA is Plexus’ Mesenchymal Cell Therapy. This cutting-edge treatment uses your body’s own cells to help repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation, offering a potential solution that can help you return to your daily routine with less pain and more mobility.
Whether you’re exploring traditional options like physical therapy and medications or considering innovative treatments like regenerative cell therapy, there’s hope on the horizon. In this blog, we’ll dive into effective ways to treat knee osteoarthritis, empowering you to understand your options and make informed decisions about your care. From managing pain to improving movement, the right treatment plan can bring significant relief and help you regain control of your life.
Understanding Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a degenerative condition where the protective cartilage in the joint wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Without sufficient cartilage, the bones in the knee begin to rub against each other, which can cause inflammation and further joint damage. It’s the most common form of arthritis and can start as a mild discomfort that worsens with age or activity.
Knee OA is especially frustrating because the knee joint bears much of the body’s weight, making it vulnerable to strain. While it’s most common in older adults, younger people can also develop knee OA as a result of joint injuries, obesity, or genetic factors. The pain and limitations of OA can significantly impact everyday activities—whether it’s walking, standing up from a chair, or climbing stairs. You might also notice swelling, warmth around the joint, or a sensation of the knee “giving way.” While OA progresses over time, early intervention can help slow down its progression and improve symptoms.
But what’s often overlooked is that treatment doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all approach. With a combination of therapies tailored to your needs, you can improve your mobility and reduce pain significantly.
Surgical Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis
Surgery is generally considered when conservative treatments no longer provide relief and quality of life is severely impacted.
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery where a small camera is inserted into the knee joint to remove damaged tissue or cartilage. This procedure can relieve symptoms and improve knee function, although it may not be a permanent solution for advanced OA. Arthroscopy is typically recommended for people with specific problems, such as meniscus tears, but it is not always effective for those with widespread OA.
Osteotomy
Osteotomy involves cutting and reshaping the bones to relieve pressure on the knee joint. This surgery is usually recommended for people with OA affecting only one side of the knee. By realigning the bones, osteotomy can shift weight away from the damaged part of the joint, reducing pain and improving function.
Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement (also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty) is an option for people whose OA affects only one part of the knee. In this surgery, the damaged portion of the knee is replaced with a metal or plastic implant, while the healthy parts of the knee remain intact. This procedure has a quicker recovery time than a total knee replacement and is often considered for younger, more active individuals.
Total Knee Replacement
When OA affects the entire knee joint, a total knee replacement may be the best option. This procedure involves replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial one made from metal and plastic components. Total knee replacement is highly effective in relieving pain and restoring function, but it requires a lengthy recovery period and is typically recommended for older adults who are less active.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
For many, non-surgical treatments are the first step in managing knee OA. These treatments aim to reduce pain, improve function, and delay the need for surgery, all while helping you maintain an active lifestyle.
Regenerative Cell Therapy
Mesenchymal cell (MSC) therapy involves the injection of regenerative cells directly into the knee joint, which are carefully harvested from the patient’s own bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue. This ensures a high level of compatibility and minimizes the risk of rejection. Once injected, the MSCs work to repair damaged cartilage and reduce inflammation by releasing bioactive molecules that promote the body’s natural healing process. The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning that patients can typically return home the same day, avoiding the long recovery times associated with more traditional surgical options.
MSC therapy offers several key benefits for individuals with knee osteoarthritis:
- Pain Relief: By reducing inflammation in the knee joint, MSCs help alleviate pain, allowing patients to walk and engage in physical activities without the constant discomfort often associated with OA.
- Improved Mobility: As the therapy stimulates cartilage regeneration and reduces inflammation, patients often experience a greater range of motion in the knee, making it easier to carry out daily tasks.
- Longer-Term Relief: MSC therapy targets the underlying causes of knee osteoarthritis, potentially providing longer-lasting relief compared to temporary treatments like injections or medications.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage knee OA. A trained physical therapist will guide you through exercises that strengthen the muscles around your knee, providing better support for the joint. These exercises can improve flexibility and range of motion, allowing you to move more comfortably. In addition to strengthening the muscles, physical therapy can help with balance and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls and further injury.
Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, are commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. While they can be effective, they’re generally recommended for short-term use due to potential side effects with long-term use. For those who need more potent pain relief, your doctor may recommend prescription-strength medications.
Corticosteroid Injections
For more severe pain and inflammation, corticosteroid injections can offer temporary relief. These injections target the inflamed joint and can reduce swelling and pain for weeks or months. While corticosteroid injections can be effective, they are usually not a long-term solution and may not be suitable for people with advanced OA or those who have received several injections in the same area.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in joint fluid, where it helps lubricate the knee and absorb shock. In OA, this fluid often becomes thinner, leading to more friction and pain in the joint. Hyaluronic acid injections replenish the joint fluid and help ease the pain. This treatment is especially helpful for people with moderate knee OA and can provide relief for several months.
Lifestyle Modifications
Simple lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on managing knee OA. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on your knees, which can slow the progression of the disease. Additionally, incorporating low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, can help you stay active without aggravating the joint.
How to Decide on the Best Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
Choosing the right treatment for knee OA depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition, your age, activity level, and overall health. Your doctor will work with you to assess the best options based on your individual needs. Non-surgical treatments are typically tried first, and if those don’t provide sufficient relief, surgical options may be considered.
Preventing the Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis with Early Intervention
The key to managing knee OA is early intervention. A combination of lifestyle changes, non-surgical treatments, and advanced therapies like regenerative cell therapy can help slow the progression of the disease. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of maintaining mobility and preventing further damage to the knee joint.
Preventing OA from progressing involves:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in regular, low-impact exercise
- Seeking early treatment for any knee injuries
- Considering regenerative therapies like mesenchymal cell therapy at the first sign of symptoms
Living with knee osteoarthritis can be challenging, but with the right treatment plan, it’s possible to manage pain, maintain mobility, and live life on your terms. Whether you choose non-surgical therapies, surgical interventions, or advanced treatments like regenerative cell therapy, there’s hope for improvement.
Remember, you do not have to face this journey alone. To know more about our osteoarthritis treatment and rehabilitation programs, reach out to Team Plexus today.
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FAQs
What are the most effective non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis?
Effective non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis include regenerative cell therapy, physical therapy, medications (NSAIDs for pain and inflammation), corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, and lifestyle changes like weight management and low-impact exercise. These can help relieve symptoms, improve mobility, and slow progression without the need for surgery.
When is surgery recommended for osteoarthritis in the knee?
Surgery is recommended in the last stage of the disease when non-surgical treatments no longer provide adequate pain relief or if knee osteoarthritis severely limits daily activities. If the joint is significantly damaged and mobility is compromised, options like knee replacement or arthroscopy may be considered.
How long is recovery after knee surgery for osteoarthritis?
Recovery after knee surgery for osteoarthritis varies depending on the procedure. For knee replacement, it generally takes 6 to 12 weeks for initial recovery, with full recovery taking up to 6 months. Rehabilitation through physical therapy is key to regaining mobility and strength post-surgery.
Can lifestyle changes alone manage knee osteoarthritis?
NO. Lifestyle changes, such as weight management, regular low-impact exercise, and avoiding activities that strain the knee, can manage knee osteoarthritis to an extent only in the early stages. Additionally, lifestyle modifications can reduce symptoms, slow progression, and improve quality of life alongside other treatments.
Are there risks with long-term medication for knee osteoarthritis?
Yes, long-term use of medications like NSAIDs for knee osteoarthritis can pose risks, including gastrointestinal issues, kidney damage, and cardiovascular problems. It’s important to use these medications under medical supervision and explore alternative treatments to minimize risks while managing symptoms.
