Knee

There are three basic types of arthritis Examination that may affect the joint: • (OA) is the most Your doctor will perform a physical common form of knee arthritis. OA is examination that focuses on your walk, usually a slowly progressive the range of motion in the limb, and degenerative disease in which the joint swelling or tenderness. joint gradually wears away. X-rays typically show a loss of joint • (RA) is an inflammatory type of arthritis that space in the affected knee. can destroy the joint cartilage. RA can occur at any age. RA generally affects Nonsurgical Treatment multiple joints. • Post-traumatic arthritis can develop If you have osteoarthritis of the knee, after an injury to the knee. This type you can take advantage of a wide range of arthritis is similar to osteoarthritis of treatment options. The purpose of and may develop years after a treatment is to reduce , increase fracture, ligament injury, or meniscus function and generally reduce your tear. A healthy knee An osteoarthritic symptoms. In its early stages, arthritis of knee the knee is treated with nonsurgical measures. Nonsurgical treatments fall Symptoms into four major groups: lifestyle modifications; exercise; supportive Generally, the pain associated with devices; other methods. arthritis develops gradually, although sudden onset is also possible. The joint may become stiff and swollen, making it Lifestyle Modification difficult to bend or straighten the knee. Lifestyle modifications can include Pain and swelling are worse in the losing weight, switching from running n morning or after a period of inactivity. or jumping exercises to swimming or 1400 Mercy Drive, Ste 100 Pain may also increase after activities cycling, and minimizing activities that Muskegon, MI 49444 such as walking, stair climbing, or aggravate the condition, such as climb- 231-733-1326 kneeling. The pain may often cause a ing stairs. Simple weight loss can reduce feeling of weakness in the knee, resulting n stress on weight bearing joints, such as in a "locking" or "buckling." Many 1445 Sheldon Rd, Suite G1 the knee. people report that changes in the Grand Haven MI 49417 weather also affect the degree of pain 616-296-9100 from arthritis. www.oamkg.com www.wmspinecenter.com Knee Arthritis [page 2]

Exercise arthritis flare-ups. However, the effects are not long- lasting, and should not be performed more than every 3 Exercises can help increase range of motion and months. flexibility as well as help strengthen the muscles in the leg. and exercise are often effective in reducing pain and improving function. Your physician Viscosupplementation with or a physical therapist can help develop an Viscosupplementation involves injecting a joint individualized exercise program that meets your needs lubrication into the joint to improve the quality of the and lifestyle joint fluid. These injections can provide relief of pain for up to a year or longer. They can also be repeated if Supportive Devices they are helpful but the effects wear off with time. Using supportive devices, such as a cane, wearing energy-absorbing shoes or inserts, or wearing a brace or Alternative Therapies knee sleeve can be helpful. A brace can assist with Alternative therapies include the use of acupuncture stability and function. There are two types of braces that and magnetic pulse therapy. Many forms of therapy are are often used. An "unloader" brace shifts load away unproven, but reasonable to try, provided you find a from the affected portion of the knee. A simple elastic qualified practitioner and keep your physician informed knee sleeve helps alleviate pain with warmth and of your decisions. compression. Surgical Treatment Other Methods If your arthritis does not respond to these nonsurgical Other measures may include applications of heat or ice, treatments, you may need to have surgery. water exercises, or arthritis creams. There are a number of surgical options, including the following: Drug Treatment • An osteotomy cuts the shinbone (tibia) or the Several types of drugs can be used in treating arthritis of thighbone (femur) to improve the alignment of the knee joint. the knee. These can include non-steroidal anti- • A total or partial knee replaces the inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, aspirin severely damaged knee joint cartilage with metal and and COX-2 inhibitors. Because every patient is different, plastic. and because not all people respond the same to • Cartilage grafting is possible for some with medicaations, you should discuss different medications limited or contained cartilage loss from trauma or with your primary physician. arthritis.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin On the Horizon Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are oral Orthopaedic surgeons are continuing to search for new supplements that may relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. ways to treat arthritis of the knee. Current research is These may be particularly helpful in the early stages of focusing on new drugs as well as on cartilage transplants osteoarthritis of the knee. At least two months of and other ways to help slow the progress of arthritis. continuous use is necessary before the full effect is Adapted from American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. For more information, realized. see orthoinfo.aaos.org

AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as Corticosteroids medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can be injected into the joint. They are given for moderate to severe pain and typically used for acute

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