4 Best Practices When You Have Arthritis
Your arthritis used to be a background concern, but it’s become a more constant, and most unwelcome, companion now. Here are some strategies to help you better navigate joint pain and inflammation.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Knee Arthritis
The most common type of knee arthritis is osteoarthritis which affects millions of Americans and is one of the top 3 musculoskeletal reasons for doctor visits. The good news is not everyone needs surgery for this. There are several nonsurgical ways to manage the symptoms associated with knee arthritis. None of these “cure” arthritis but can help you improve your ability to function with your knee.
Keys to living successfully with knee arthritis:
- Keep a healthy weight. Keep your body mass index under 30 but above 18.5.
- Engage regularly in low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling and follow a strengthening program for your leg muscles. Sometimes a physical therapist can help with this. Exercising the knee improves joint health. Keep moving!
- Generally, over-the-counter medications like Acetaminophen and the various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) will help. Confirm with your healthcare provider that these are safe for you.
- Some braces may help if your knee is unstable.
- Use assistive devices such as a walking stick, cane, or walker.
- Certain injections into the knee may also provide temporary relief.
For additional information visit: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/globalassets/pdfs/knee-osteoarthritis.pdf
If you are working hard to incorporate nonsurgical treatments and still find knee arthritis limiting your activity, surgery may be a consideration.
You can always reach out to the team at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine to evaluate the nonsurgical and surgical treatment options to fit your lifestyle.
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