Pain from knee arthritis can affect your performance and daily routine. You might struggle to move freely or carry or lift objects at your workplace. Mesquite knee arthritis can emanate from any arthritis, leading to the deterioration of your cartilage and causing pain.
The two most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear that daily activities subject your joints to, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects your joints. Usually, adults suffer from osteoarthritis, while any age group can suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of knee arthritis
If you have knee arthritis, you might experience symptoms like pain, stiffness, and swelling. The pain and stiffness can affect mobility, resulting in many sitting periods. Due to decreased flexibility, you might struggle to walk or climb stairs.
Treatment options
Your specialist will approach the treatment of your condition by evaluating the severity of your symptoms. The following are common treatment methods your doctor might use to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.
Knee bracing
Your specialist can recommend knee bracing to support and stabilize your knee during healing. The method ensures that your knee does not move unnecessarily, providing a conducive environment for optimal rest.
Rhizotomy
A rhizotomy procedure uses radiofrequency energy to target painful nerves and destroy them. The effect of the treatment can last for several years. If the disabled nerves regenerate, you can seek another treatment for relief.
Knee aspiration
Your doctor can recommend knee aspiration to drain the fluid buildup that causes swelling in your knee joint. The procedure drains the fluid in and around your joint.
Viscosupplementation
Viscosupplementation involves using hyaluronic acid injections to replace the cartilage that facilitates smooth movement in your knee joint. Your specialist might have to perform a knee aspiration procedure before viscosupplementation, which can last up to six months.
Coolief
The Coolief system uses radiofrequency energy and water to deactivate painful nerves. The treatment is most efficient if your pain and discomfort emanate from several nerves in your joint. The treatment can last up to two years.
Corticosteroid injections
To relieve pain and inflammation, your doctor can recommend corticosteroid injections, which can last several weeks.
Restorative cellular therapies
Restorative cellular therapies can use your blood components to create a treatment solution. Your specialist will draw a blood sample from your arm and prepare it in a centrifuge to create a platelet-rich solution. Once it is ready, they will inject the solution into your knee to stimulate and promote the growth of new cells and repair damaged ones.
When to seek pain management
You should seek pain management for knee arthritis if you have pain, the condition affects your daily routine, or it does not respond to over-the-counter medication. While surgery is one treatment option, your doctor might recommend non-surgical treatment options to delay surgery.
If you have severe pain and limited movement due to knee arthritis, visit OmniSpine Pain Management for a treatment plan. The available specialists will evaluate your symptoms before offering treatment. Call or schedule your appointment online and improve your daily performance.