Nearly a quarter of all adult Americans have arthritis. That adds up to approximately 54 million people, 24 million of whom find that their daily activities and quality of life are moderately or seriously affected by the condition.
If you count yourself among that number, you may be searching for a solution. One common treatment for arthritis in the knee is knee injections; another is knee replacement surgery. How can you know which is right for you? Read on for some plain talk and sound advice.
First, What Is Arthritis?
Many people think of arthritis as something that only elderly people are prone to, but that’s just not correct. Plenty of middle-aged folks, and even people in the teens and 20s, have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. Today, we’re discussing osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic condition that involves substantial wear and tear on the cartilage found in between joints.
Without the cushioning that cartilage provides, a person’s bones can grind together. This results in stiffness, swelling, and perhaps most troublesome of all, pain.
Mild cases of arthritis are often manageable with over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). If that’s not adequate, or if you rely on medications function normally, it’s time to visit your doctor.
Treatments for Osteoarthritis
Depending on your pain, mobility (or lack thereof), physical activity level, age, and other factors, you may be referred to an orthopedic specialist. After a full exam, they may recommend lifestyle changes to help mitigate your pain, such as exercise, complementary treatments, and weight loss.
In addition to prescription-strength NSAIDs, there are other prescription medications that may relieve the symptoms of OA. If these do not help, and other options such as acupuncture and physical therapy are similarly ineffective, you may be a good candidate for more invasive treatment.
If you want to learn more about first-line treatments, click here.
Knee Injections
There are two types of injections used to treat OA sufferers. One is corticosteroids to relieve the pain. The other is hyaluronic acid, which helps lubricate and cushion the joint with an eye toward pain relief.
Both injections are given in the same way, with a needle inserted into the space within your joint.
Both can be effective, as well; which one your body responds to will depend on the severity of your condition and other factors.
Knee Replacement
Having your knee joint replaced is usually a treatment of last resort, as it is major surgery. It involves removing damaged bone and cartilage from the kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint.
There are several advantages to joint replacement surgery, however. It usually restores full function to the joint, eliminates pain, and is a relatively permanent solution. (The replacements can wear out over time, but it generally takes decades for this to happen.)
Knee injections are only a temporary solution, and cannot be given indefinitely. Over time, they may actually make your osteoarthritis worse or contribute to additional health conditions, including high blood pressure and osteoporosis.
The Bottom Line: Consult Your Doctor
Naturally, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of osteoarthritis. Knee injections will help some, but not all patients. Knee surgery is effective, but also a big step to take. Talk to your doctor about your particular diagnosis before making any decisions.
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