Tips to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain
Osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis, is a condition that causes your cartilages to break down. Cartilage is the cushion that protects your joints, and its breakage leads to swelling, stiffness, and pain. Although there is no definitive cure, certain treatment options can help manage the symptoms. Depending on the pain level and the severity of the condition, doctors suggest the best course of action. Let’s look at some osteoarthritis pain treatments for the knee.
Regular exercise
One of the best ways to treat osteoarthritis pain is exercise. Following a regular exercise routine can manage arthritis symptoms naturally. It is also the most crucial option as it can help you strengthen muscles and enhance physical strength, both of which are essential for arthritis pain relief.
Surgery
If other osteoarthritis pain treatments fail and you are suffering from severe pain, your doctor might suggest surgical solutions.
Arthroscopic surgery
This is one of the most simple procedures that involves repairing the knee joints and clearing out bone fragments if there are any. This surgery involves the surgeon inserting an arthroscope with an attached camera to check the condition of the knee from the inside. It helps the doctor decide how to fix the knee to protect the joint tissue from further damage. Arthroscopic surgery can help reduce osteoarthritis symptoms, but it is not a permanent solution.
Osteotomy
If your knees have been affected by early-stage arthritis and you are experiencing symptoms at only one side of your joint, Osteotomy is one of the osteoarthritis pain treatments that can help. The operation involves a surgeon reshaping the knee joint by making cuts to it. This helps align the bones better and reduces pressure on the injured areas. Osteotomy can effectively slow down joint damage. However, doctors generally suggest it only if you are younger than 60 years.
Knee replacement surgery
If no other treatment option helps, replacing your knees completely can still work. This procedure involves a surgeon removing your damaged bones and tissues. They then replace your knee joints with artificial ones. The surgeons use minimally invasive or open knee surgery depending on your condition and requirements. However, this option might not suit many osteoarthritis patients. The doctors generally consider your overall health and activity levels to determine if knee replacement surgery can help with your arthritis symptoms.
Products for arthritis knee pain relief
Living with arthritis pain is uncomfortable, and it can cause a lot of stress. Along with proper treatment, you also can use certain arthritis knee pain relief products that help manage the symptoms. Many products are available in the market that can ease the discomfort, but not all of them are helpful. Below is a list of products that are popular due to their effectiveness.
Heating pads
Heat treatment is known for providing relief from joint pain. The two products you can use are microwave-friendly hot packs and electronic heating pads. However, you must avoid overdoing this type of treatment. Experts suggest that you can use the products three times a day for 15 minutes.
Workout equipment
As already mentioned, regular exercise is beneficial for those suffering from arthritis. Hence, you can buy arthritis knee pain relief products like workout equipment that can make working out easier and more effective. Some of the best equipment for pain relief exercises are elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and treadmills.
Knee brace
It is one of the arthritis knee pain relief products that anyone can use and they are genuinely effective. Knee braces are readily available and easy to use. However, the knee braces can help most when they are customized to meet your requirements. Depending on the severity of the condition, an experienced doctor can suggest a knee brace that is most suitable for you. Make sure you do not compromise on the quality of the product.
With the help of the arthritis knee pain relief products listed above you may get all-round support and relief from the symptoms of the condition. That will allow you to lead a comfortable life even with osteoarthritis. Make sure you consult your doctor before using one of these pain relief products.