How is knee arthritis treated?
Disease description:
My grandfather is 60 years old and has had knee arthritis for two years. He experiences persistent pain during each flare-up. I would like to ask what should be done in such a situation?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Knee arthritis is mainly manifested as knee pain, stiffness, and limited function. The treatment methods are as follows:
1. Non-pharmacological treatment: Primarily includes weight control, moderate exercise, physical therapy, use of assistive devices to reduce joint load, joint protection education, and avoiding excessive joint use.
2. Pharmacological treatment: Includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation, intra-articular injections to alleviate symptoms, and consideration of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologic agents in cases of severe disease.
3. Physical therapy: Includes techniques such as massage and heat therapy, which can relieve pain and improve joint function.
4. Sodium hyaluronate injection: High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity to provide lubrication and nutrition, suitable for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.
5. For patients with poor response to conservative treatment, surgical options may be considered, such as arthroscopic surgery, osteotomy, or ultimately joint replacement surgery.
During treatment, patients should follow their doctor's advice, ensure adequate rest of the affected limb, and avoid strenuous exercise and excessive knee joint activity.
