Arthritis Knee Pain - What Are Your Options?

One of the most common ailments that affect numerous individuals of all ages is arthritis knee pain - in particular, Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis. In spite of all advances in modern medicine, there is currently no permanent cure for all types of arthritis knee pain.

While there are specific exercises and physical therapy programs designed to alleviate pain to a certain extent, their results depend largely on the degree of pain and the stage of arthritis afflicting the patient, amongst a number of other factors.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which initially manifests as sore or stiff joints in the elbows, feet, knees, and hands. Typically, the stiffness will start in the same joint on both sides of the body. Ultimately, the afflicted patient will feel a sense of fatigue and flu-like symptoms, accompanied by aches and pains as well as joint inflammation.

Osteoarthritis

Conversely, if pain is felt in any joint following a repetitive action, this might be indicative of another type of arthritis called Osteoarthritis. For example, an individual who has been an athlete for years may someday feel some pain in his/her knee without any evident cause. Standard imaging tests such as X-rays may uncover wear and tear in the cartilage of the knees, which weaken the joints and cause increasing pain.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hips, back, neck, and fingers. Swollen or misshapen fingers are telltale signs of the disease. In extreme cases, affected patients may find it difficult if not impossible to perform even simple activities such as walking, sitting down, or standing up. In such situations, joint replacement surgery may be the only course of action.

Treatment Methods for Arthritis Knee Pain

A common approach to treating arthritis in the knees is the use of knee braces, either off-the-shelf or custom-made. Off-the-shelf knee braces may not fit perfectly but are less expensive, whereas custom-made types are more expensive and are devised to fit both your knee and your specific condition.

While prescription drugs may help alleviate pain, they are seldom able to eliminate it completely. However, new remedies are now available to manage the painful symptoms of arthritis. In addition to standard medications, physicians may prescribe creams and ointments for oral application. NSAIDs are often the prescription of choice for a majority of doctors. Rheumatoid arthritis patients are commonly given biologics or anti-rheumatic medications, which can be injected at regular intervals to improve the patient's condition and to lessen the pain.

Another method that has been known to effectively inhibit the progression of the disease is doing regular arthritis knee exercises, including swimming, cycling, and walking. Regular exercise programs will help improve or restore joint function. These exercises need not be rigorous, as even simple steps can do wonders to your joints. Strenuous exercises that may further damage or aggravate your joints must be strictly avoided.

In extreme cases, knee surgery and chemotherapy may be necessary. Alternative methods such as acupuncture and magnetic pulse therapy have also become popular these days, owing to the many users who attest to their efficiency.

In general, if you decide to try standard or alternative treatment methods for arthritis knee pain, it's imperative that you consult a qualified physician before proceeding.