Orthopedic Surgeon: Treating Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis causes a lot of discomfort that affects your daily life. It is a common disease that manifests through wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee. Osteoarthritis is often painful as the protective layer between the bones reduces, causing the bones to rub each other. It also brings discomfort each time you walk or climb stairs. Even if you’re just sitting or lying down, the pain is often still present. Though it’s common in people aged 50 and above, younger people may get it as well.

There are different ways to treat knee osteoarthritis. Though surgery is an option, your orthopedic surgeon in Colorado Springs may recommend other treatments first.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Over-the-counter drugs may be prescribed if your condition is still mild. There are also creams and ointments that help relieve the pain. Corticosteroid injections are another option. These provide pain relief for several months as they fight inflammation. Your doctor may also suggest exercise and physical therapy to strengthen your muscles, allowing them to support your knee better.

Knee Replacement Surgery

If all else fails and the pain in your knee prevents you from doing your daily activities, you and your surgeon may consider a total knee replacement. This procedure involves the removal of your knee joint. An artificial joint made of plastics and metals is placed to serve as your new knee. If successful, you should feel pain relief for a lifetime or for several years, at least.

Given the different treatment options, it’s important to discuss all the possibilities with your doctor. Together, you can decide the best course of action depending on your needs and condition.