What is the Best Treatment for Osteoarthritis in Knees? We Discuss Your Knee Pain Treatment Options
Understanding the Knee Anatomy
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that can damage the cartilage in your knees, leading to knee pain and a reduced range of motion. Before we describe the best treatment options for knee osteoarthritis, it’s important for you to understand the knee anatomy.
The knee is a complex and fascinating joint. It’s made up of several different parts, all working together to allow us to move our legs in a wide range of motions. Let’s take a closer look at the knee anatomy and how it works.
The knee joint is where the thigh bone (femur) meets the shin bone (tibia). The smaller bone below the tibia (fibula) also helps to stabilize the knee. All of these bones are connected by strong ligaments, which help to keep the knee stable. The kneecap (patella) sits in front of the knee and helps to protect the joint.
The knee joint is held together by a number of different ligaments. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs down the inside of the knee and helps to stabilize it. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) runs down the outside of the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) cross in the middle of the knee and help stabilize the joint.
The knee joint is a “hinge” joint, which means that it allows the leg to move in a forward and backward motion. It also has a small amount of rotation. The knee joint is protected by a thin tissue called the articular cartilage. This smooth tissue covers the ends of the bones and helps the joint to move smoothly.
Knee osteoarthritis occurs because of the wear-and-tear of the articular cartilage.
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the knee joint breaks down. This can happen over time with wear and tear, or it can happen suddenly due to an injury.
The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis can vary from mild to severe. They may include pain, stiffness, swelling, and a crackling or grating sensation when the knee is moved. The pain is often worse when the knee is used for activities such as walking, stair climbing, or squatting.
Knee osteoarthritis can cause the knee joint to become stiff, painful, and difficult to move. Arthritis can also lead to the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) on the knee joint. Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, which means that it gets worse over time.
Best Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis
There is no cure for knee osteoarthritis, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. Some of the best treatments for knee osteoarthritis include exercise, weight loss, pain relief medications, hyaluronic acid injections, and epidural steroid injections. Our knee pain doctors carefully examine your knees, administer diagnostic tests, determine the root cause of your symptoms, and curate a personalized treatment plan for you.
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RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
RICE is a common treatment for all types of injuries, including knee osteoarthritis. It can help reduce pain and swelling. It includes the following components:
- Rest: Avoid activities that put stress on your joints.
- Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 20-30 minutes several times a day.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage or compression sleeve to help reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Prop up the affected leg on pillows to help reduce swelling.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are a type of medication that can help reduce pain and inflammation. They are available over the counter or by prescription. Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). NSAIDs can cause side effects, so talk to your doctor before taking them.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength. A physical therapist can also teach you exercises and stretches to help reduce pain and improve function, thus alleviating the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation)
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the joints. It helps lubricate and cushion the joints. Injections of hyaluronic acid can improve the suppleness of your joints, thus facilitating smooth movements. As such, viscosupplementation can reduce pain and improve joint function.
Weight Loss
Losing weight can help reduce the amount of stress on your joints. It can also help improve joint function. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about a weight loss plan.
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Our Manhattan NY knee pain clinic is conveniently located on 290 Madison Avenue Suite 203
Does Humira Help Osteoarthritis?
Humira is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. It’s given as an injection that’s usually given every other week.
A number of studies have shown that Humira can be effective in treating osteoarthritis. In a 2012 study, for example, researchers found that Humira improved pain and physical function in people with hip or knee osteoarthritis compared with a placebo (a treatment with no active ingredient).
Humira (adalimumab) belongs to a class of drugs called biologic response modifiers. They work by blocking the activity of a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF is involved in inflammation, and by blocking its activity, Humira can help reduce the pain and swelling of arthritis.
Humira is usually injected into the skin once every two weeks. It can be used alone or in combination with other arthritis medications. Our knee pain doctors will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate for Humira.
Schedule an Appointment
Knee Pain Doctor NYC is a state-of-the-art medical center led by some of the country’s leading knee pain treatment specialists. Our knee pain doctors are board-certified experts with specialized training in the latest minimally invasive knee pain treatments. You can find our knee pain doctors at our medical centers in Midtown Manhattan, near Grand Central Station, or in the Financial District. Please schedule an appointment to explore your knee osteoarthritis treatment options in New York.
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KNOW OUR TEAM OF HARVARD TRAINED KNEE SPECIALISTS
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Dr. Michael Nguyen
Dr. Michael is available for Knee Pain treatment consultations in Manhattan, New York.
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Dr. George Hanna
Dr. Hanna is available for Knee Pain treatment consultations in Manhattan, New York.
Knee Pain Doctor in New York
Dr. Shane Volney
Dr. Volney is available for Knee Pain treatment consultations in Manhattan, New York.
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