Knee arthritis can be a debilitating condition. Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability in the United States. Fortunately, there have been significant advancements in knee arthritis treatment that can help improve an individual’s mobility and quality of life.
This article will explore some of the latest treatment options available, including corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, osteotomy, and joint replacement. We will also recommend an orthopedic clinic in Wentzville, Missouri, where you can receive treatment for knee arthritis.
#1 Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for knee arthritis. These injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the knee joint, reducing pain and swelling.
How Cortisone Injections Work
Corticosteroids help to decrease inflammation, which in turn reduces pain and improves knee function. They can provide relief for several months, although the effects vary from person to person.
It is standard procedure to receive corticosteroid injections at a doctor’s office. The area around the knee is cleaned, and the corticosteroid is injected directly into the joint.
Benefits of Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections can provide quick pain relief and help manage symptoms in the short term.
Viscosupplementation is another innovative treatment option for knee arthritis. This procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint to improve the quality of the joint fluid. This is an FDA-approved treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
How Viscosupplementation Works
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs in the joint fluid which lubricates the knee. In people with arthritis, the quality of joint fluid decreases. Viscosupplementation restores this balance, reducing pain caused by friction and improving mobility.
Similar to corticosteroid injections, the procedure is performed in a doctor’s office. Hyaluronic acid is administered through direct injection into the knee joint.
Benefits of Viscosupplementation
Viscosupplementation can provide relief from pain and improve knee function for several months. It’s especially beneficial for those who have not responded well to other treatments.
For younger and more active patients with knee arthritis, osteotomy can be an effective surgical option. This procedure involves cutting and reshaping the bones around the knee to shift weight away from the damaged area.
How Osteotomy Works
By realigning the bones, osteotomy reduces the stress on the arthritic part of the knee. This helps with reducing pain and improving knee function.
A more complex osteotomy procedure usually requires a hospital stay. It involves cutting the bone, repositioning it, and securing it with metal plates and screws.
Osteotomy can delay the need for joint replacement surgery and is particularly useful for younger, active patients.
#4 Joint Replacement
Joint replacement, or arthroplasty, is often considered when other treatments have failed. This surgery involves replacing the damaged parts of the knee with artificial components. Each year, over 700,000 knee replacements are performed across the United States.
How Joint Replacement Works
The orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replaces it with metal and plastic components. These artificial parts mimic the function of a natural knee.
Joint Replacement Procedure
Joint replacement surgery is typically performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center, as an outpatient procedure. A comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation program is critical to having a successful outcome.
Benefits of Joint Replacement
Joint replacement can provide long-term relief from pain and restore normal function. It is highly effective for patients with severe arthritis.
Choosing the Right Treatment
The right treatment for knee arthritis depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the patient’s age, activity level, and overall health. It’s important to consult with an orthopedic specialist to determine the best course of action.
During a consultation, the orthopedic doctor will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
Based on this information, the orthopedic doctor will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include one or more of the treatments discussed above.
Advancements in knee arthritis treatment offer hope for those suffering from this painful condition. Whether it’s through corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, osteotomy, or joint replacement, there are many options available to help manage pain and improve quality of life.
If you’re dealing with knee arthritis, consult with an orthopedic surgeon to explore these innovative treatments and find the best solution for you. With the right care, you can maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle despite arthritis.
Knee Arthritis Treatment in Wentzville, MO
Consult the board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Bone & Joint to find out your treatment options for knee arthritis. We offer comprehensive and advanced techniques to give you the best possible outcomes from treatment.
To schedule an appointment, call (636) 241-9807 or fill out our convenient appointment request form. Friendly service awaits you in our orthopedic clinic in Wentzville!