Common Knee Osteoarthritis Treatments to Relieve Pain
Knee osteoarthritis treatment can help reduce pain, improve movement, and support daily activities when joint changes make walking, climbing stairs, or standing more difficult. Osteoarthritis develops when cartilage and other joint tissues change over time, leading to stiffness, swelling, and reduced flexibility. A vascular and interventional radiologist can work with a patient's broader care team to review symptoms and discuss nonsurgical options when appropriate.
All knee osteoarthritis treatments start with a complete evaluation
Knee pain can have many causes, including osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, meniscus concerns, inflammatory conditions, or referred pain from the hip or back. Symptoms can vary widely among patients, with some noticing stiffness after rest, and others experiencing pain during activity or swelling after prolonged standing. A thorough evaluation can help identify whether osteoarthritis is contributing to discomfort and how much it affects daily function. Patients should prepare to review their medical history, undergo a physical exam, and undergo imaging to help guide a vascular and interventional radiologist's treatment plan.
The role of targeted exercise and physical therapy
Movement remains an important part of managing knee osteoarthritis. Guided exercise can strengthen the muscles that support the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce stress on the joint during daily activities. Physical therapy may also help improve balance, walking mechanics, and confidence with movement. This often extends to low-impact activities, such as walking (not running), cycling, water exercise, and controlled strength training to help support joint function without placing excessive force on the knee.
How weight management and daily habits can help
It is no secret that extra body weight can increase pressure on weight-bearing joints, including the knees. For patients who carry excess weight, gradual weight management may support knee osteoarthritis treatment by reducing joint stress and making movement easier. Further, small daily changes, such as supportive footwear, pacing activity, and resting after demanding tasks, may help manage symptoms and reduce repeated strain on the knee.
Medications and joint injections for knee osteoarthritis
Medication may help manage pain and inflammation when lifestyle approaches alone do not provide enough relief. A vascular and interventional radiologist can recommend topical or oral anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate. Keep in mind that medical history, kidney health, stomach concerns, and other medications all affect safety.
Joint injections may also play a role in pain management. While corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief for some people with painful inflammation, the best choice depends on the condition of the patient's knee and their treatment history.
Vascular knee osteoarthritis treatments
Some patients continue to experience significant pain after trying exercise, medication, and other conservative treatments. In these more severe cases, the right course of action may be genicular artery embolization (GAE). This is an image-guided procedure that targets small blood vessels associated with inflammation around the knee.
GAE does not replace joint replacement surgery. However, it may offer a nonsurgical option for patients who want to delay surgery or are not candidates for more invasive treatment.
Find the right knee osteoarthritis treatment for you
Knee osteoarthritis treatment often combines exercise, weight management, medication, injections, and other options based on the cause and severity of pain. At ProVascularMD, we can discuss minimally invasive approaches when conservative care does not provide enough relief. If you are experiencing this uncomfortable condition, contact our office to find the right treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://beverlyhills.provascularmd.com or call ProVascularMD at (310) 402-0132 for an appointment in our West Hollywood office.
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