Options for Treating Knee Pain
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your knee, it’s time to talk to your doctor. One of the most common causes of knee pain is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in your bones to breakdown and wear away. When this happens, the bones under the cartilage rub together, leading to pain, swelling and overall loss of motion. Over time, this condition can cause your bones to lose their normal shape and bone spurs (small deposits of bone) to grow on the edges of the joint, resulting in even more pain.
There are several options for treating your knee pain, so check with your doctor to see what’s best for your particular situation.
- Lifestyle (weight control, exercise, rest & relief from joint stress)
- Over-the-counter pain treatments (medication, creams, rubs)
- Prescription medications
- Alternative therapies
- Surgery
For many patients, knee replacement surgery is recommended to relieve the pain and debilitation of osteoarthritis. Talk to your doctor to discuss the option that’s best for you. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine if you’re a candidate for knee replacement surgery.
