Case Studies Of Degenerative Knee Problems
Degenerative knee problems, also can be referred to as Osteoarthritis, are typically progressive and incurable. What starts off as stiffness and swelling of the joint will eventually develop into a severe deformity of the joint wherein even walking becomes a major chore!
While degenerative knee problems are incurable, there are several ways that an individual can deal with this condition. Treatment depends upon age and the severity of the condition as well as the frequency of the flare ups. These two case studies offer valuable insight into making the right choices when it comes to treating osteoarthritis.
How Beth Treated Her Degenerative Knee Problems
Beth was only 42 when she began to experience pain and swelling in her right knee. She figured she had twisted it and used an ice pack to alleviate the symptoms. The pain continued to get worse and she experienced flare ups more often. Finally, Beth decided that she had to go see a doctor. He diagnosed her with osteoarthritis of the knee and recommended that she use an ice pack to keep the swelling down and to wear a knee brace to support the knee.
Wanting a second opinion, Beth consulted with another doctor who advised her to undergo knee surgery. This involved complete knee replacement. The problem was Beth did not have insurance to cover the operation. Moreover she would be 'out of the running' and would need full time care for at least a few weeks post surgery. After all of this, there was still no guarantee that surgery would render the knee fully functional and pain free.
Beth chose to take the advice of the first doctor. The knee brace provided much-needed support to her knees as she want about her daily activities and the ice pack helped keep the swelling down. Today, Beth is only bothered periodically by knee pain.
How Dave Treated His Degenerative Knee Problems
Dave played softball all of his life. At the age of 53, he developed pain in both of his knees but it was worse in his right knee. Diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee, he opted to go in for surgery. He got a full knee replacement, went through rehab and was off work for nearly a year. The knee worked well but it was not as good as new. It still troubled him occasionally but what bothered him now what that his left knee had started to really hurt.
Instead of undergoing another surgery for degenerative knee problems, Dave decided to treat the left knee conservatively and use a knee brace in addition to some exercises that he learned in rehab. Today, Dave walks fine and uses the knee brace on his left knee when he experiences knee pain. He does not recommend knee surgery to anyone as his right knee still feels stiff.
While there are several different ways to treat degenerative knee problems, it is always best to first opt for more conservative treatment methods, which will help manage the symptoms without any adverse effects. As these case studies demonstrate, using a knee brace in addition to doing a select few knee strengthening exercises and using an ice pack to control flare-ups can be extremely effective.
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