Treatment for knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common disease in the elderly, characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage and disorganized bone regeneration. The incidence increases with age and is often seen in obese individuals (due to increased body weight putting pressure on the knee joint).

It is necessary to differentiate knee pain from pathological causes in other parts of the body such as hip arthritis, thigh pain, bone tumors, or adjacent bone lesions (fractures, osteomyelitis, osteodystrophy). It is also necessary to rule out other knee conditions such as unilateral arthritis, synovitis, and sympathetic nervous system-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee aims to alleviate pain symptoms, correct morphological abnormalities, and restore relatively normal function to the affected limb. In addition to pain medication and physical therapy, glucosamine (a drug involved in the synthesis of cartilage components) and chordroitin (for cartilage and bone tissue regeneration) may be used.

Additionally, during periods of pain, he should rest the affected joint, avoid standing on the injured leg, and avoid postures that are detrimental to the joint. The final option is to replace the entire joint with an artificial joint.

According to Science & Life - NT