With 30 million people diagnosed in the United States, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequently occurring type of arthritis. OA is also known as "wear and tear" arthritis and degenerative joint disorder. The typical areas of the body where it develops are the knees, hips, and hands. As the disease develops, a joint's bones and cartilage progressively degrade. The condition, which is a top reason that people become disabled, leads to inflammation, limitations to range of motion, and chronic pain.
As stated above, knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common types; and the aging process is a risk factor. Symptomatic knee OA occurs in about 13% of women and 10% of men aged 60 and above.
A diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be somewhat helpful simply in just knowing what you are confronting. However, the next concern is taking steps to alleviate your pain, and to retain or regain your physical function. After all, the diagnosis should not be the end of life as you know it. Treatments other than surgery are available. Here are a few treatments, both self-care and from healthcare professionals, that can be effective if you are diagnosed with OA:
Possible Solutions for Osteoarthritis
Exercise
Getting regular exercise can be critical in helping to reduce knee OA symptoms. Research has demonstrated that you can manage your weight and mitigate pain by simply taking a short walk or attending a low-intensity fitness class.
Everyone should get 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, whether or not they have arthritis, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Weight loss
Osteoarthritis often appears in the knees and becomes more severe because of excess weight or obesity. Losing just a few pounds can often be incredible in helping to reduce the symptoms of knee OA. When an obese person loses a more substantial amount of weight, approximately 10 percent of total weight, they can eliminate as much as 50% of their pain – provided the weight loss is achieved through a hybrid solution of consistent exercise and dietary changes.
Medical treatments
The pain and inflammation that you are currently experiencing may need to be relieved immediately. This anti-inflammatory effort can be achieved using pain-alleviating injections. These injections will not heal you but can help with immediate osteoarthritis pain-relief.
Physiotherapy
Using strengthening and rehabilitative exercises, you can regain your flexibility and full range of motion through a physiotherapy plan. These exercises can deliver the long-term improvement that you need, while also aiding in the mitigation of any pain.
Recovering from knee osteoarthritis?
Are you suffering from the chronic pain of osteoarthritis? At Envista Medical, we offer many non-invasive treatments for OA, including those mentioned above. See our bold philosophy.