William Hogan, MD
Pain Management
Blanchard Valley Pain Management
Do you have swollen, achy knees? Or do you experience early morning stiffness? You may be one of the millions of Americans suffering from osteoarthritis in your knee. The majority of patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis manage their pain through over-the-counter pain relievers, but knowing the cause and severity of the osteoarthritis can help individuals manage the progression of this ailment.
Arthritis Explained
Arthritis, at its most basic level, involves inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. Many conditions can cause arthritis but the most prevalent is osteoarthritis (OA). This type of arthritis is generally referred to as degenerative, or, in other words, wear and tear on a joint. This type of arthritis generally develops very slowly over time as the cartilage within the knee joint breaks down.
Slowing the Progress of OA
While there is no cure of this progressive condition, there are many ways to slow its progress and also ease your symptoms. Some risk factors for OA are age, race, sex, or genetics which cannot be changed, but there are lifestyle changes that an individual can make to reduce the likelihood of symptomatic OA. Simple changes can help. This might include choosing lower-impact activities, such as swimming or cycling, along with reducing repetitive stress to the knee joint, eating a healthy diet, and losing weight can all help.
Treatment
When your symptoms become bothersome or start to impact your daily living, it may be time to make a call to your healthcare provider. While there is no definitive cure for OA, there are many treatments that can help with the swelling and pain. Outside of medications, nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, and various types of injections, including nerve blocks, can help manage the pain.
So, if you happen to struggle with pain or stiffness that is affecting your day-to-day activities or keeping you from doing what you want, it may be time to make that call and contact your provider.
