A New Treatment For Knee Pain

Knee pain is a relentless companion for countless individuals. More often than not, it’s a chronic discomfort that disrupts daily life, hindering one’s ability to completely enjoy regular activities. Whether it’s the subtle twinge after a morning jog or the persistent ache when climbing stairs, knee pain affects millions.

However, if you experience chronic knee pain, it might be caused by an underlying condition — osteoarthritis. Before your pain worsens, it’s recommended you see a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and receive osteoarthritis knee treatment. If you suspect osteoarthritis, continue reading for common symptoms, management tips and treatment for arthritis in the knee.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of degenerative arthritis; it is a widespread, slowly developing disease, with a high prevalence that increases with age. The most commonly affected large weight-bearing joints are the knees, where the disease is particularly disabling, since it causes difficulty in rising from a chair, climbing stairs, standing and most importantly, walking. Osteoarthritis of the knee is an active disease process involving cartilage destruction, subchondral bone thickening and new bone formation — making knee treatment for osteoarthritis even more crucial. It is the second most common diagnosis made in older people consulting their general practitioner, and the most common cause of disability at older ages. In fact, according to Arthritis Australia, 1 in 5 Australians over the age of 45 suffer from osteoarthritis.

Common Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Pain is the main reason for OA patients to seek clinical services. The management of early-stage OA is fundamental for effective symptom relief, management of the resulting functional limitations and enhancing the health-related quality of life.

Here are other common symptoms to look out for that may indicate it’s time to see a specialist for osteoarthritis knee treatment:

  • Stiffness — Joint stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity, is a common symptom of OA. This stiffness typically improves with movement.
  • Swelling — OA can lead to joint swelling, which is often a result of inflammation in the affected joint.
  • Decreased range of motion — As the disease progresses without proper knee treatment for osteoarthritis, individuals may experience a reduced range of motion in the affected joint, making it challenging to move the joint through its full range.
  • Joint crepitus — OA can cause a sensation of grating or grinding within the joint when it is moved, this is often referred to as joint crepitus.
  • Weakness — Muscles around the affected joint may weaken over time due to reduced use and pain, leading to decreased joint stability.
  • Joint deformities — In advanced cases, OA can lead to joint deformities. For example, in knee OA, a bow-legged or knock-kneed appearance may develop.
  • Loss of function — OA can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities, including walking and going up and down the stairs.
  • Tenderness — The joint may become tender to the touch, particularly during flare-ups of OA-related inflammation.
  • Fatigue — Chronic pain and limited mobility associated with OA can lead to fatigue and reduced overall energy levels.

Arthritis in the knees will present differently in individuals and can include any number of these symptoms. If you are experiencing one or a combination of these symptoms frequently, you should consider seeing a specialist, such as one of our podiatrists, for proper osteoarthritis knee treatment.

You can also self-administer a few quick and easy tests for knee pain. Check out our blog post for a list of 7 knee tests that may help you determine whether you should consult a podiatrist for osteoarthritis knee treatment.

Choose Podiatry First For Osteoarthritis Knee Treatment

At Podiatry First, we will tailor a personalised osteoarthritis knee treatment plan to address your unique needs and provide relief. We understand your pain and recognise that proper osteoarthritis knee treatment will often require a comprehensive approach.

This is why our expert musculoskeletal sports podiatrists focus on client education and achieving results through evidence-based treatments. We will teach you proper at-home care and treatment for arthritis in the knees, as well as how to prevent further harm — even teaching you how to squat properly!

Osteoarthritis can also be aggravated by weight, so an improved diet and knee-friendly exercise plan may also be recommended along with medication for pain management.

With the proper advice to supplement your osteoarthritis knee treatment plan, Podiatry First can assist in easing pain, address underlying conditions and prevent further discomfort and complications.

Our Knee Treatment For Osteoarthritis

The treatment methods for knee OA are diverse, and Podiatry First is dedicated to providing you with the best and latest methods in knee treatment for osteoarthritis. Biomechanical interventions, intra-articular corticosteroids, exercise (land-based and water-based), self-management and education, strength training, weight management, mobility aids, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and topical NSAIDs are all common forms of treatment. However, the results of these treatments are not consistent, and patients with OA continue to experience pain. Therefore, what else can be done?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) was first used to break kidney stones. In recent years, ESWT has been widely used for pain relief and the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, such as epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis and calcific tendinitis. The procedure is non-invasive, has a low instance of complication and does not require hospitalisation.

In recent years, studies have investigated the efficacy of ESWT in human knee osteoarthritis treatment. They determined that ESWT is effective in reducing pain and improving knee function. In fact, studies have found that there is as much as 95% success in reducing pain, improving function and stopping further degeneration after using ESWT compared to traditional non-surgical interventions. So if you suffer knee pain and wish to avoid the knife, call us at Podiatry First, book an appointment today with one of our friendly podiatrists and start getting back into the activities you love.

Book An Appointment At Podiatry First

Podiatry First is here as your trusted partner to conquer knee pain and regain an active lifestyle. Our team of compassionate and experienced podiatrists specialises in personalised, non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis in the knees

From pain-relieving exercises and massages, self-care tips and preventive advice to extracorporeal shock wave therapy, Podiatry First is with you every step of the way. Rest assured, our licensed experts and friendly staff will make every clinic visit a supportive and productive experience.

Don’t let knee pain limit your life any longer. Take that first step toward relief by calling us at Podiatry First today. Book an appointment today, and let us help you get back to the activities you love with effective osteoarthritis knee treatments — your pain-free future is just a few clicks away.

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