One of the most common conditions affecting several people regardless of age is arthritis knee pain – specifically Osteoarthritis (a.k.a. OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (a.k.a. RA). In spite of all advances in modern science, there is still no long-term cure for all forms of arthritis knee pain.

While there are different exercises and physical therapy programs designed to manage pain to a certain extent, the results depend primarily on the degree of pain and the stage of arthritis present, among others.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

A popular form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis or RA, which at the onset appears with joint soreness or stiffness around the feet, elbows, hands, and knees. Frequently, the stiffness will begin in both sides of the body. Eventually, the RA patient will suffer from flu and fatigue, along with pains and ache as well as inflammation of the joint.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Conversely, if pain appears in any joint after a repetitive action, this is most likely a different form of arthritis called Osteoarthritis (OA). To demonstrate, a long-term athlete may one day experience excruciating pain in the knee without any apparent reason. X-rays can discover any knee cartilage problems, which can weaken the joints and prevent them from sticking together.

OA frequently affects the hips, neck, fingers, and back. Misshapen or swollen fingers are tell-tale signs of OA. In serious cases, OA sufferers may find it extremely difficult and even impossible to do even ordinary activities such as standing up, walking, or sitting down. In these situations, hip replacement surgery may be deemed necessary.

There are various risk factors involved in OA. Females have a higher risk of developing OA than males. Moreover, obesity, age, and stress may also play a role.

Treating Arthritis Knee Pain

A well-known method for treating arthritis is knee braces, either custom-made or off-the-shelf. Off-the-shelf are knee braces that generally fit in your knees, while custom-made knee braces are those that are more expensive and customized to fit not only your knee but your specific condition as well.

Though prescription medications can lessen pain, they are hardly able to cure it entirely. Nonetheless, new medications are being offered to control the painful symptoms of arthritis. Along with the usual medications, your physician can prescribe oral creams and salves. NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly preferred by most physicians. RA patients are frequently given anti-rheumatic medications or biologics, which can be injected regularly to restore the patient’s normal bodily functions.

One more technique that may effectively manage rheumatoid arthritis is performing regular knee exercises, such as cycling, swimming, and walking. Knee exercises may help improve or restore the function of the joints. Such knee exercises don’t need to be rigorous, because even basic exercises can work wonders for the joints. Strenuous exercises that can can cause damage to your joints must be completely avoided.

In severe cases, knee surgeries and chemotherapy may be the last recourse. Alternative treatment methods like acupuncture and magnetic pulse therapy, to name a few, have also become popular at present, thanks to the many users who attest to their effectiveness.

Generally, if you opt to try standard or alternative treatments for arthritis knee pain, you are strongly advised to discuss your options with your physician before doing anything.