Osteoarthritis of the knee can be very painful if not treated. Read here how Dr. Feder and his team tackle this challenge on a daily basis…
Have you ever asked yourself if you suffer from what is called Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee really? – And do you really know how to treat it best? – This blog will explain in detail what causes OA, and how your doctor can help you treat it.
Your knee joint is normally lubricated by synovial fluid, which contains hyaluronic acid and acts as the knee shock absorber. With Osteoarthritis of the knee, hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid breaks down and doesn’t work as well to lubricate the joint.
Over time, increased friction between the cartilage surfaces causes them to wear away. This is thought to become painful and to cause irritation and inflammation that may increase pain and lead to swelling and stiffness.
Several things are thought to contribute to the development of osteoarthritis of the knee, such as:
- excessive wear and tear on the knee joint
- aging
- heredity
- traumatic injury
- weight gain
- repetitive stress injuries
Women of age 50 and over are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee, however, it can affect both men and women much earlier in life. You may find yourself with limited movement and having to modify your activities to avoid or reduce your knee pain.
Knee pain is not an indicator of how far your osteoarthritis of the knee has progressed, as pain is different for each patient. Be sure to monitor your knee pain and talk with your doctor about the impact it is having on your life so you can find the relief you need based on your stage of knee osteoarthritis.
Find the right treatment for you!
Your knee pain, the impact it is having on your life, and what has or has not worked previously will help you and your doctor decide on what treatment option to use next. Below are some common treatment options that may provide pain relief from osteoarthritis of the knee:
- Lifestyle & Exercise (weight management, strength training, acupuncture)
- Over the counter pain relievers
- Drugs that treat inflammation (including ibuprofen)
- Prescription Pain Relievers (Celebrex, Voltaren, Ultram ER, and others)
- Joint Fluid Treatment (Hyaluronic acid injections into the knee joint, such as Orthovisc High Molecular Weigh Hyaluronan)
Orthovisc is an FDA-approved therapy made from ultra-pure, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. Orthovisc is a knee injection that may help to restore the joint fluid that cushions, protects and lubricates your knee joint. If you want to find out more about this treatment, please ask Dr. Feder and his team during your next visit.