While there is no cure for knee osteoarthritis, many treatments can help reduce pain and slow the progression of the disease. The appropriate treatment will depend on the stage of osteoarthritis, and the doctor will choose the appropriate approach.
Arthritis is divided into four stages. Specifically, in stage 1, the articular cartilage begins to change and soften. In stage 2, 25 to 50% of the cartilage is lost, and in stage 3, 51 to 75%. By stage 4, almost all of the cartilage is lost. Patients will experience intense pain due to the bones rubbing against each other because there is no longer cartilage between them, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).
Losing weight and exercising properly can help control the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
Experts say the only way to treat stage 4 knee osteoarthritis is through joint replacement surgery. However, if the osteoarthritis is only in stages 1 to 3, several methods can help slow or prevent the disease from progressing. These methods include:
Weight management
Losing weight can significantly reduce pressure on the knee joints in overweight and obese individuals, potentially alleviating pain. Effective weight loss requires a combination of diet and exercise.
Do exercise
Low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, and walking help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, supporting the joint and reducing stiffness. Strength training exercises targeting the thigh muscles will strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, thereby effectively reducing pressure on the joint.
Physiotherapy
A physical therapist will guide patients through exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce knee pain.
Medicine
Some over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help control pain and inflammation. However, this is only a temporary solution as these medications cannot cure knee osteoarthritis. Long-term use can cause side effects.
Additionally, doctors may inject corticosteroids directly into the knee joint to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. This method is better and safer than taking daily pain medication. However, the medication only reduces pain and does not change the condition of the joint. Another option is hyaluronic acid injections, which also lubricate the knee joint, improve movement, and reduce pain, according to Medical News Today.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/viem-khop-goi-4-cach-giup-kiem-soat-va-ngan-benh-tien-trien-185241217132513099.htm
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