Treatment

Although osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is not curable, there are many treatment options available that can help you to control pain and maintain an active lifestyle. OA is usually managed with a combination of approaches, including medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.

There are changes you can make to your lifestyle that may help with the management of OA of the knee:

• Exercise/physical therapy: Your doctor can help you design an exercise plan that is right for you or recommend a physical therapist
• Weight loss (if you are overweight)
• Physical therapy

If you suspect that you have OA of the knee, you will probably first see your primary care doctor. He or she may then refer you to a specialist. Specialists who have expertise in OA include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as:
• Aspirin
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol^®)
• Ibuprofen (Motrin^® or Advil^®)
• Naproxen (Aleve^®)
• Topical pain relievers (creams, rubs, sprays)
• Prescription pain medications, such as:
• Celecoxib^® (Celebrex)
• Mild narcotic pain relievers (usually for short-term use only, as they may be addictive)

There are two types of injections commonly used in the treatment of OA knee pain:

• Corticosteroid injections: Anti-inflammatory hormones that can decrease pain
• Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections (such as Euflexxa^®): Injections of HA similar to the natural HA found in the fluid that surrounds a healthy knee

Surgery may also be an option in treating OA of the knee. A surgeon can remove loose bone and cartilage, and reposition or smooth out bones. In addition, a surgeon can perform a total or partial knee replacement, in which all or some of a joint is replaced with an artificial one.

The best thing to do is to talk with your doctor. Together, you will be able to work out a plan that can help you manage the symptoms of OA of the knee.

If you suspect that you have OA of the knee, you will probably first see your primary care doctor. He or she may then refer you to a specialist. Specialists who have expertise in OA include:

• Orthopedic surgeons (or orthopedists): Surgeons who are experts in bones and the skeletal system
• Rheumatologists: Doctors who specialize in treating disorders of the muscles and skeleton, as well as the immune system
• Physical therapists: Healthcare providers with special training in exercise and therapy for people with conditions that limit their mobility
• Sports medicine physicians: Doctors who, like orthopedic surgeons, are experts in bones, muscles, and the skeletal system, but who focus on nonsurgical treatment
• Podiatrists: Doctors who specialize in treating problems of the foot, ankle, and lower leg

spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer spacer