Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation uses a machine that sends electrical impulses through sticky patches, called electrodes, attached to the skin. This may help ease the pain caused by your osteoarthritis by numbing the nerve endings in your spinal cord which control pain.
Treatment with TENS is usually arranged by a physiotherapist or doctor, who can advise you on the strength of the pulses and how long your treatment should last.
Modern Understanding And Pathology Of Arthritis
Arthritis is a an inflammatory condition that could involve one of more of your bodys joints. According to modern medicine, there are several different kinds of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The main symptoms of this condition is pain and stiffness in the joints. Since this is a progressive disease, it may worsen with advancing age. It could be caused by normal wear and tear of the joints or the formation of uric acid crystals that cause increased friction between the knee joint structures.
The Most Important Piece Of The Puzzle
If youre overweight or obese, the most effective treatment is weight loss. This isnt surprising. Every extra pound of weight adds two to four pounds of excess pressure on your knees.
Losing weight is probably the most difficult part of the treatment puzzle, but its also the most important, says Dr. Day.
A weight loss program should include both diet and exercise. Some people have difficulty exercising to lose weight because their knees hurt. But any type of exercise can help, even strengthening the upper body.
Read Also: Can Knee Cartilage Be Rebuilt
Working Toward A Personalized Approach To Pain Management
This meta-analysis cannot tell us which of these types of medication should be prescribed for a particular patient. No study can. The person-to-person variation in the effectiveness of any KOA treatment is huge. One patient may get near-total pain relief while another is not helped at all. These findings do give clinicians a benchmark for the typical amount of pain relief that might be expected from these medications, and suggest that, since they work about equally well, the choice of which one to use will be influenced by considerations other than effectiveness. Providers and those suffering with chronic pain also need to weigh potential side effects. Treatment with oral NSAIDs can result in stomach problems like bleeding, ulcer, and stomach upset, as well as high blood pressure and kidney problems. Opioids can have side effects such as constipation, nausea, and drowsiness. As you are also likely aware, opioids are also associated with a risk of serious overdose and addiction.
Complementary And Alternative Medicine
If you prefer a natural approach to treating arthritis, or would like to explore complementary options, it’s imperative that you tell your doctor what you want to try . There are many alternative treatment options that, while popular, are not fully endorsed for effectiveness and safety. Supplements and herbal products also pose the potential for dangerous drug interactions.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health , reports on the effectiveness of some CAM treatments for arthritis:
Be wary of dietary supplements sold for arthritis relief. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that many are tainted with prescription drugs. You could experience dangerous side effects from these supplements.
Don’t Miss: Do Compression Sleeves Help With Knee Pain
Understanding Arthritis Through Ayurveda
Arthritis treatment in ayurveda is based on the understanding of the various doshas or humors of the body.
According to Ayurveda, there are four main humors in the body and it is these that govern our health, wellness and our proneness to disease.
According to Ayurveda arthritis is a condition caused due to the aggravation of vata dosha . The body produces ama a toxin that is released as a by product of improper digestion.
When ama is produced, it circulates in the body and gets deposited at sites that have already weakened. So when the vata is already stirring up, ama finds the perfect place to build up. That is why you experience arthritis in fingers or knees.
For most people, arthritis in the knee is more painful than in the fingers because knees are load bearing joints. If you have arthritis in your knees, you will have trouble moving and the range of motion in your joints will be severely restricted.
You may have to depend on people or walking aids to make even the smallest of movements.
What Is The Outlook Or Prognosis Of Arthritis
It is usually difficult to predict the course of arthritis, and the prognosis varies greatly on several factors. Arthritis can reduce a persons life expectancy, although many people live with their symptoms beyond the ages of 80 or even 90 years.
Factors affecting arthritis prognosis include age, disease progression, and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and weight management. Because of advances in medications and other treatments, the prognosis for arthritis is better than ever before.
Also Check: How To Regrow Cartilage Naturally
Adding Or Removing Some Bone Around A Joint
If you have osteoarthritis in your knees but you’re not suitable for knee replacement surgery, you may be able to have an operation called an osteotomy. This involves your surgeon adding or removing a small section of bone either above or below your knee joint.
This helps realign your knee so your weight is no longer focused on the damaged part of your knee. An osteotomy can relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis, although you may still need knee replacement surgery eventually.
If you have osteoarthritis in your knees and your doctor has recommended an osteotomy, you can watch a video about how an osteotomy works, including the risks and benefits of having this type of surgery, on The Health and Care Video Library.
What The Experts Say
It is advised to look at the ingredients list of a cream to see if it is formulated with topical anesthetics which can help numb the affected area and lessen pain. If you are someone with extremely sensitive skin, it may be beneficial to look for an arthritis cream that caters to sensitive skin and is less irritative. The side effects list can show you what symptoms you may be subjected to after using the cream. If you already suffer from any of those conditions, it is advised to consult your doctor prior to use. Niket Sonpal, M.D., an internist practicing in New York City
Recommended Reading: Bioknee Cost
Injections Are Another Low
If other strategies dont provide enough relief, injection therapy is an option with low risk.
A corticosteroid injection involves delivering this anti-inflammatory drug directly to the knee. The benefits are typically short lived. But it varies from person to person. I tell my patients the pain relief can last anywhere from a week to a year, says Dr. Day. One cautionary note with corticosteroids is the potential to increase blood sugar, which is a concern for people with uncontrolled diabetes.
For a possibly longer lasting effect, an injection of hyaluronic acid can be tried. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that healthy joints have a lot of and arthritic knees dont, says Dr. Day. It takes longer to start working than a corticosteroid injection, but the effect often lasts six months to a year.
Two other injection therapies are platelet-rich plasma and stem cells, neither of which is covered by insurance. PRP involves drawing some blood, spinning it in a centrifuge, and injecting part of it into the knee. Theres currently more science backing up the effect of PRP than stem cells, says Dr. Day.
If youre not able to get your symptoms under control with a combination of these measures, she says, it could be time to talk to your doctor about surgery.
This article originally appeared in Cleveland Clinic Arthritis Advisor.
The Role Physical Therapy Plays In The Process
Physical therapy is definitely beneficial. Improving range of motion and strength in the knee are helpful, but physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis has a large focus on strengthening the hips, explains Dr. Day.
Weak hips put more pressure on the knees. If your hips are strong, when you get up from a chair or go up and down stairs your knees have less work to do.
Everyone with knee osteoarthritis should consult a physical therapist, according to Dr. Day. Not only will you be taught the right kinds of exercises, a physical therapist also provides valuable instruction about using assistive devices and modifying activities to reduce pain.
Don’t Miss: Nano Knee Surgery Cost
Modern Treatment For Arthritis
In modern medicine, the best treatment for arthritis is pharmacological. Medications are prescribed to decrease the progression of the disease. The treatment focuses on improving the symptoms and increasing range of motion in your joints. Analgesics and counter irritants for controlling pain and anti inflammatory steroids for controlling inflammation are the most common treatment methods. Surgery may be required for joint replacement, in case the condition progresses beyond control.
Though modern medicine has advanced a lot, it cannot completely cure arthritis. For those who are looking for long term rehabilitation, surgery is often the only resort. As compared to that, Ayurveda offers natural remedies that are non invasive and effective without any side effects. These remedies treat the underlying cause of the condition and lubricate joints to improve range of motion.
Tips for Ayurvedic Treatment of Arthritis
Ayurveda is just the right thing for you if you are looking for home remedies for arthritis. Ayurveda allows you to use several ingredients from your home for treatment of this condition.
WE CAN HELP YOU WALK AN EXTRA MILE.REDUCE SWELLING, PAIN AND STIFFNESS IN JUST 30 DAYS.
Why Trust Verywell Health
As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews.
Additional reporting to this story by Danielle Zoellner and Elizabeth Yuko
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
As a seasoned health writer and editorand someone with rheumatoid arthritisElizabeth Yuko understands how much of a difference finding the right product makes for those with arthritis. Shes always on the lookout for new products, techniques, and services that can help people cope with their health challenges.
Also Check: Whiten Knees Fast
Sprains Strains And Injuries
Sprains and strains happen when tissues in the knee become stretched by unusual or increased activity, or an awkward twist or trip.
PRICE, described above, should lead to a reduction in pain and improved movement within days, and a gradual improvement over the weeks to follow.
A sprain often resolves itself, but some problems can require more treatment. For example, an injury to the pad of tissue in the knee joint known as the meniscus may require surgery.
What Is The Best Medicine For Knee Joint Pain
Several medications are used to relieving joint pain, depending on the cause.
These include pain relievers and Gout medications. However, the best medicine for knee joint pain relief is any of the gout medications.
Gout Medications helps in preventing future attacks of joint pain and inflammation by reducing the levels of uric acid in the blood. Others assist in managing pain and inflammation of acute joint pain.There are so many medications available for joint pain such as Instaflex, since it may help you to relieve from regular pain.
Don’t Miss: Inversion Table Knees
Antidepressants For Osteoarthritis Pain
Your doctor may recommend the use of antidepressant medication to help treat chronic OA pain even if you donât have depression. Itâs not clear how it works, but brain chemicals affected by antidepressant medications may play a role.
One antidepressant, duloxetine , is FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain, including chronic osteoarthritis pain. Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, and constipation.
Doctors sometimes prescribe a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline, desipramine , and nortriptyline for chronic pain. These are most often taken near bedtime because they can make you sleepy. Other side effects include dry mouth, nausea, weight change, and constipation.
All antidepressant drugs carry a boxed warning of higher risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Anyone starting antidepressant drugs should be monitored closely for any unusual behavioral changes, suicidal thinking and behavior, or worsening of a psychiatric disorder.
Apple Cider Vinegar And Other Foods
According to some sources, apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve arthritis and other types of pain.
However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this. The Arthritis Foundation refers to ACV as a food myth.
Other popular advice for arthritis includes:
- consuming collagen, gelatin, or pectin, and raw foods.
- avoiding dairy, acidic foods, and nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant
There is no evidence to suggest that these are helpful or even advisable.
Pain at the front of the knee is one of the most common aches and pains. It is second only to lower back pain around a quarter of people will get it at some point in their lives.
It commonly affects teenagers, especially young female athletes. It is the most common overuse syndrome in sportspeople.
Most cases of front knee pain are injuries from overuse, or from poor preparation for exercise. The problems usually go away on their own, and sporting activities can resume after the pain subsides.
The pain varies but tends to:
- be a dull ache that starts gradually, and is linked to activities
- produce clicking or other sounds
- come on when going upstairs, or when getting up after a long time sitting, squatting down, or kneeling
- produce a weakness in the legs
Recommended treatments for front knee pain include:
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and gout are some of the most common causes of knee pain.
Recommended Reading: Can I Regrow Cartilage In My Knee
Hyaluronic Acid Or Hyaluronate Injections
Also called viscosupplements, this treatment tries to restore synovial fluid, which is a slippery substance that helps lubricate joints.
A major component of synovial fluid is called hyaluronate. For more than 20 years, doctors have tried to restore mobility and curb pain by injecting hyaluronate directly into the knee joint.
Side Effects And Diet And Exercise Not Considered
While the study did not consider side effects of drugs like naproxen, including the well-known effects on the heart, vascular, and intestinal systems, Dr. Jevsevar noted that naproxen has the lowest risk of cardiac events compared to similar drugs.
The study also did not include weight loss and exercise, which a 2005 study in Arthritis & Rheumatism found to be two of the most effective ways to manage KOA.
The good news is that for many people with KOA, taking naproxen to ease the pain enough to allow you to participate in an exercise and weight loss program could be the best way to achieve long-term relief from your knee osteoarthritis.
It should be noted that Dr. Jevsevar receives research support from DePuy Synthes, a maker of joint reconstruction products, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, the makers of naproxen.
At Healthcare Associates of Texas, we specialize in finding the optimal treatment for you. Our osteoarthritis specialists will help you manage your pain and find the best long-term therapy for your KOA. Call our Appointment Line at 258-7499 orcontact us by email.
Read Also: Regrow Cartilage Naturally
What Are The Common Complications Of Knee Pain
In most cases, knee pain will come and clear off before you even find the real cause of the problem.
However, depending on the cause of the pain, the problem can advance and lead to severe complications or injuries. The resulting complications might be long-term, which might lead to increasing difficulty in walking or severe pain.
Dont Let Joint Pain Keep You Down And Out
Whether you feel it in your knees, hips, elbows or elsewhere, joint pain can be distracting to the point of dominating your every waking moment. Its normal to want relief and to want it fast.
There are many ways to deal with chronic joint pain and discomfort, including rest, strengthening, exercise and surgery, says Dr. Matthew McElroy, a sports medicine specialist at Geisinger. But over-the-counter medications are among the most common treatments people typically start with.
However, there are many options to choose from. Heres where to start.
Recommended Reading: Is Nano Knee Covered By Medicare
Common Knee Surgery May Not Alleviate Pain
Next come over-the-counter treatments, including acetaminophen for many people, because it is non-toxic in recommended doses and doesnt cause stomach bleeding like other drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can. Steroid injections come next, but not unless pain pills dont do the trick.
We believe that pharmacologic intervention is important for patients that can tolerate it, Jevsevar said. We believe that surgery is a last resort.
At least one study has found that surgery is no better than medication and physical therapy for relieving the pain and stiffness of moderate or severe arthritis.
Acute Joint Pain Vs Arthritis
It can make you feel normally unhealthy and tired. Psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis affects approximately 1 in 5 individuals with psoriasis. This kind of arthritis is unforeseeable, however flare-ups can typically be controlled with treatment. Like other types of arthritis, it means that 1 or more of your joints are irritated and end up being swollen, stiff, uncomfortable and difficult to move.
Method to the patient with rheumatic illness. History and physical assessment of the musculoskeletal system. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Mc, Innes IB, O’Dell JR, eds.
10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2017: chap 40.
Prescription opioids are medications that can be utilized to deal with moderate to severe pain. Many adults with arthritis are recommended opioids,3 however there is an absence of proof of their long-term effectiveness when used for persistent conditions such as arthritis. Safer alternatives exist to help manage arthritis discomfort.
Also Check: What Is The Best Knee Walker