Arthritis is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. The knee, being one of the most used and weight-bearing joints in the body, often bears the brunt of this debilitating condition. Knee arthritis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life by causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Fortunately, advancements in medical science have made it possible to manage or even cure this condition with appropriate treatment.
Knee arthritis typically manifests as osteoarthritis in adults over 50 years old but can also occur due to injury or obesity at any age. It involves the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in the knee joint resulting in bone-on-bone contact which causes discomfort and inflammation.
The first line of treatment for knee arthritis usually involves conservative methods like physical therapy exercises, lifestyle modifications such as weight management, over-the-counter medication for pain relief, corticosteroid injections into the affected joint for reducing inflammation or viscosupplementation where lubricating substances are injected into your knee joint.
However, when these conservative treatments fail to provide sufficient relief from symptoms or if the disease has progressed too much to be controlled by them alone then surgical intervention becomes necessary. A renowned Knee Injury Doctor based out Houston explains that there are several types of surgeries available depending on how severe your case is.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where small incisions are made around your knee joint so that surgeons can remove loose pieces of cartilage or bone spurs that may be causing irritation. This surgery has a relatively quick recovery time compared to other procedures but it’s only effective if you have mild arthritis.
For more severe cases where larger portions of your knee are affected by arthritis then partial or total knee replacement may be considered. In partial knee replacement only damaged parts are replaced with metal parts whereas in total replacement see all resources parts including your kneecap will be replaced with artificial components known as prosthetics which mimic natural movement patterns thus restoring function.
Rehabilitation and physical therapy are crucial parts of recovery post-surgery. It helps regain strength, flexibility and normal movement in the knee. The Knee Injury Doctor from Houston emphasizes that each patient’s journey is unique hence a personalized treatment plan including surgical intervention if necessary followed by comprehensive rehabilitation program offers the best chance for a successful outcome.
In conclusion, living with knee arthritis can be challenging but with expert guidance from experienced professionals like the Knee Injury Doctor based in Houston, it is possible to manage symptoms effectively or even regain full mobility through surgery. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment play a vital role in managing this condition successfully.
