In today’s time, more than 500 million individuals all across the globe suffer from arthritis. Arthritis in the knees is getting more and more common these days. Knee caps get tender in this condition. There are several reasons for this tenderness in the joints. Age, gender, chronic injury, excessive weight, autoimmune triggers, etc., may cause knee arthritis. Medical science has advanced, and different types of surgeries exist for the treatments. However, these therapies could be expensive, and often, they are not required at all. In this blog, we will examine the ways of knee Arthritis treatment without surgery.
Treating Knee Arthritis Without Surgery
Here are some of the natural treatments for arthritis that can be done without any surgery. Have a look;
Changes In Lifestyle
Yes, lifestyle modifications can indeed help treat arthritis of the knees. This can be considered as a natural way of treatment. Those who are already living a healthy lifestyle have a lesser chance of experiencing this complication. People must try to exercise daily to lose their weight and make bones stronger than before. Foods that are rich in calcium are also helpful.
Bones generally tend to lose their strength and become brittle as time passes by. Hence, it is necessary to keep your bones in good condition. You can do workouts that involve knee joints. Brisk walking, running, and jogging are some of the exercises that can make knees stronger. Strength training must be avoided if you are not comfortable with intense workouts.
Infusions and Injections
Individuals can choose to go for treatments that involve injections and infusions. Typically, corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid are given to help individuals ease the pain. Both of these work on the damaged soft tissues and allow them to heal. Corticosteroid is known for their anti-inflammatory property. It can give short-term relief from pain.
Our knee joints already consist of synovial fluid, which contains hyaluronic acid. This acid is known for providing lubrication and cushioning. Through the injection and infusion of hyaluronic acid, a short-term treatment of knee arthritis can be administered. It should be remembered that for some people, this method may not work.
Nutraceuticals
What are nutraceuticals? Well, they are dietary or herbal supplements that can assist in the recovery of bone cells. These supplements contain antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial in making knees stronger and more durable. Concentration levels and bioavailability are the top factors that affect this type of treatment.
Some supplements are composed of polyphenols (a nutrient rich in carotenoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C), which safeguard delicate tissues located near knee joints and provide strength to them. They are also responsible for reducing oxidative stress around bones that can occur as years pass by.
Bracing
Bracing is another method that does not require any surgery. This method is often used before surgery to give stability to the knee cap. The bracing method is combined with exercises for the overall recovery. Bracing can be done from time to time during the treatment. This is because bracing is needed to avoid the interaction of the ruptured parts in the bone.
Only those knee braces are helpful to fit your knees. Therefore, you must check it on your own if you are buying without a recommendation. Make sure it is neither too loose nor too tight. Some braces can be adjusted according to your knee.
Pain Killers
Painkillers or pain-alleviating drugs are often used during the treatment of knee arthritis. These medications must be taken after a consultation of a healthcare professional because each one of them works differently. Doctors who treat knee arthritis are known as orthopedic surgeons. They perform an X-ray along with other tests before giving any medicine.
NSAIDs, Advil, Motrin, acetaminophen, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Tramadol, etc., are some medication drugs that are administered for treating pain occurring due to knee arthritis. However, an over-dosage of these medicines is not recommended because they are harmful to health. Certain workouts are also necessary during the administration of these drugs.
Occupational Therapy
A therapy that is focused on relaxing and strengthening tissues located near the knee cap is known as occupational therapy. It is also useful in day-to-day activities. For some individuals, this therapy is successful while for others, it is not. If symptoms of knee arthritis are worsening, you must not continue with this therapy.
Stiffness in the knees can be reduced with the help of occupational therapy. The intensity of this therapy is decided according to the age of the person. One advantage of occupational therapy is that it is more affordable than the other options.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have explored the alternatives to surgery for treating knee arthritis. You can choose which option to go for. Generally, physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons may recommend using a combination of these methods for the treatment of knee arthritis. If any complication occurs, you must talk about it to an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist.