The doctor will assess your symptoms and examine your knee, alongside factors such as your exercise routine, footwear, and lower limb muscle strength and flexibility. X-rays or an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the knee may be ordered if necessary. If you are diagnosed with Knee Osteoarthritis, there are a wide range of treatment options to reduce your pain and improve function.
Non-surgical treatments include lifestyle modifications such as weight loss if you are overweight, aerobic and strengthening exercises under physiotherapy instruction, or use of walking aids such as a cane, hiking stick, or walking frame.
Sometimes wearing specialised shoes or knee brace for Knee Osteoarthritis can be helpful. Pain medications such as anti-inflammatory medications can be prescribed to help reduce pain and swelling in the joint.
Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are also commonly used by patients with osteoarthritis and might help with pain, although studies have not demonstrated that it prevents the progression of osteoarthritis.
Other options include corticosteroids which are anti-inflammatory medications that are injected into the joint for short term pain relief. Visco-supplementation involves injecting substances (i.e. Hyaluronic Acid) which are similar to synovial fluid into the knee joint to provide relief.
