| Treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee can take a | | | | replacement. |
| variety of forms, from exercise and bracing, to | | | | An arthroscopy can be both a diagnostic tool and a |
| pharmacological and surgical options. | | | | treatment. Through small incisions, a camera and |
| When the disease process is in its early stages and | | | | implements are placed into the joint and the extent |
| symptoms are mild, treatment usually consists of | | | | of the degeneration observed. Rough surfaces can |
| analgesia and a conservative program of weight loss | | | | be made less so, and meniscal tears trimmed. The |
| and physical therapy. As the symptoms grow in | | | | surfaces remain worn and the benefits vary |
| severity, the treatment also becomes more serious | | | | significantly between patients. Arthroscopy rarely |
| with a variety of surgical interventions considered. | | | | provides long term relief but has a low complication |
| The decision to escalate treatment is dependant on | | | | rate. |
| the individual and their pain levels, their knowledge of | | | | For unicompartmental arthritis - where only either the |
| the condition, and the advice of medical professionals. | | | | inside or outside of the knee are affected - an |
| In order to provide informed consent, one must first | | | | operation called a High Tibial Osteotomy may be |
| possess sufficient knowledge of the procedure in | | | | performed. This involves either adding or removing a |
| question, including the intended benefits and potential | | | | wedge of bone to offload the affected side and |
| risks. | | | | return weight to the underutilized surface. This |
| The following summarizes the different treatment | | | | operation is usually done on patients too young to |
| options: | | | | have a total knee replacement with the aim being to |
| Pharmacological | | | | provide some relief from pain while the patient |
| Once the pain becomes unmanageable with | | | | moves closer to a suitable age. |
| non-prescription medication, a medical practitioner | | | | As the majority of the pain in arthritic knees comes |
| needs to be consulted as each persons' personal | | | | from the worn joint surfaces, replacing these joints is |
| medical history affects which of the higher classes of | | | | an effective treatment. It is also a significant surgical |
| drugs are suitable and safe to use. Typical | | | | procedure that involves the insertion of a prosthesis. |
| medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories | | | | With the increased benefits comes increased risks. |
| and low doses of opioids such as codeine. | | | | There is also a limited life expectancy of the |
| Exercise | | | | operation itself with the possibility of future revision |
| The quadriceps and hamstring muscles cross over the | | | | surgery. |
| knee joint and provide support. Due to the pain of | | | | Potential complications include infection, DVT, nerve |
| osteoarthritis, it is typical for sufferers to be less | | | | damage, ongoing pain / failure to improve pain, |
| active than previously, and muscle strength | | | | loosening of the prosthesis and complications from |
| decreases. The result is a reduction in support of the | | | | the anaesthetic. |
| knee joint and a vicious cycle is established when | | | | Although these complications are thankfully rare, they |
| more pain occurs. Exercise to increase the strength | | | | should discourage people with mild pain from |
| of these key muscles can stop this cycle and slow | | | | considering surgical intervention until their pain is |
| the progression of degenerative joint disease. This | | | | having a significantly negative effect on their quality |
| usually occurs with the help of a physical therapist. | | | | of life. |
| Weight loss is also a significant goal of this type of | | | | A sensible approach to the osteoarthritic knee would |
| treatment. | | | | be to act early on the risk factors you can change |
| Bracing | | | | such as weight and muscle strength. This can help |
| If only one half of the knee (inside or outside) is | | | | decrease pain and delay the need for more drastic |
| affected, orthopaedic bracing can help by offloading | | | | measures. |
| the affected side and redistributing the weight. It | | | | When pain no longer responds to analgesia, mobility is |
| does not treat the affected area but can provide | | | | significantly decreased, and everyday activities |
| symptomatic relief and delay the need for more | | | | become difficult, it is time to discuss your options |
| serious options. | | | | with an experienced Orthopaedic Specialist. Even if |
| Surgery | | | | surgery is required, previous work done in the areas |
| Surgical management can include relatively minor | | | | of weight loss and strengthening will make the |
| procedures like arthroscopy (key-hole surgery) and | | | | recovery easier and quicker. |
| continue to total knee arthroplasty or joint | | | | |