What Can I Do About Recurring Arthritis Knee Pain
Arthritis knee pain affects millions of people daily and can vary from a minor discomfort to a debilitating impairment. If you are experiencing arthritis knee pain, there are steps you can take to get relief. You can make several lifestyle modifications to see if it relieves your symptoms significantly and, failing that, some treatment options available. You can learn more about your condition and options by visiting an arthritis knee pain center such as Tchejeyan Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Thousand Oaks, California.
All arthritis knee pain is not the same. Your arthritis might produce excruciating pain only in certain situations, whereas someone else may experience minor discomfort almost constantly. Educating yourself about how arthritis manifests itself can help you better understand your condition and why specific treatments may or may not be a good fit for you.
Make Lifestyle Adjustments
Sometimes, all you need to relieve relatively minor arthritis pain is to make some lifestyle adjustments. For example, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce pain because any excess weight you carry puts significant strain on your knee joints. Losing 20 pounds means your knees are relieved of almost 40 pounds of pressure for every step you take, translating into much less pain in your joints.
Many people also stop exercising because of arthritis pain. However, disuse can lead to muscle atrophy, and less movement means less synovial fluid lubricating your joints. This leads to a downward spiral: the less you use your knees, the less you can move your knees because the muscles do not support the joint properly, and your joints become stiffer. However, many gentle, low-impact exercises are suitable and safe for people with arthritis. Walking, swimming, and tai chi are all gentle exercises that can be an excellent place to start.
Visit an Arthritis Knee Pain Center for Specialized Care
Many different types of knee injuries exhibit similar symptoms, so it is essential to find out whether your knee pain is truly arthritis or whether there could be some other or additional problems. Going to an orthopedic specialist like Dr. Tchejeyan will ensure that your issue is appropriately addressed.
Diagnostic Testing
Many conditions can affect the knee, causing pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. A complete diagnostic evaluation, including a physical exam and imaging tests, can determine the correct approach to effectively treating knee pain.
Arthroscopic Surgery
If you have minor arthritis, you may not need surgery. But even if you need surgery, several types of arthritis can be treated with arthroscopic surgery. This minimally invasive procedure is performed through small incisions around the joint, so there is little or no disruption of surrounding tissue. It is usually performed in an outpatient setting and has a quicker recovery than conventional surgery. The right treatment can provide you with long-lasting relief from your arthritis pain.
Total Knee Replacement
If your arthritis has led to losing all or nearly all of the cartilage in your knee, you may need a total knee replacement. Total knee replacements are increasingly common procedures. They involve removing the damaged part of your joint and replacing it with a prosthetic joint. Replacement joints are usually made from titanium and medical-grade plastics. They are lightweight and durable; the latest devices may last up to 30 years. Additionally, new technology allows our doctors to perform most replacements in a few hours as an outpatient procedure.
If you live with chronic knee pain that interferes with your ability to live a normal life, a total knee replacement could be the solution. However, even with all of the benefits of total knee replacement, it is usually considered a last-choice option for patients experiencing knee pain. Most patients try to get relief from over-the-counter or prescription medications, physical therapy, and supportive braces before turning to surgical intervention. However, if those haven’t worked for you, replacing your damaged joint is a possible path to resuming your normal activities.
Knee pain from arthritis does not have to control your life. Take it back by adopting healthy lifestyle habits and seeking specialized care at an orthopedic center. Dr. Gregory H. Tchejeyan, the “L.A. Knee Guy,” specializes in helping his patients obtain long-term relief from joint pain using state-of-the-art technology for surgical procedures and prosthetic joints. Contact Tchejeyan Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Thousand Oaks to schedule an evaluation.
