Top Non-Surgical Approaches to Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects over 32 million people in the U.S. The most common form of arthritis is more prevalent among older adults, often resulting in disability.

People suffering from knee osteoarthritis complain of persistent knee pain and have trouble performing day-to-day tasks. Contrary to popular belief, the ailment isn’t caused by wear and tear.

Research published in the National Library of Medicine found that visible wear and tear in the knee joint doesn’t correlate to the level of pain experienced by patients or vice versa.

The findings have raised concerns in the medical community, says ABC Australia. Many doctors are now calling for X-rays not to be used as the method of diagnosis for osteoarthritis.

Non-invasive treatments have shown some promise in treating knee osteoarthritis. We’ll discuss some of the options below.

Exercise Therapy

The Conversation explains that non-surgical therapy works well for people with early-onset knee osteoarthritis.

Knee exercises can reduce pain and disability. A big advantage of knee strengthening exercises is that they have fewer side effects than pain medication. Walking, cycling and Tai Chi are great examples of strength training. Start by incorporating low-impact workouts into your routine with exercise suggestions from your physical therapist.

WebMD suggests warming up with a 5-minute walk and then going into a hamstring and calf stretch. This improves the flexibility of the hamstring muscles and range of motion.

The straight leg raise helps build muscle strength and supports weak joints. If the straight leg raise is too labor-intensive, try a quad set. 

Muscle stimulation therapy aids in preventing the progression of conditions such as osteoarthritis. It strengthens the quadriceps muscles around the knee joint by directly stimulating muscle fibers to increase strength. 

However, Motive adds that adopting a holistic approach is crucial for improving knee health. 

Weight Loss

Mayo Clinic says older age and obesity are some of the biggest causes of knee osteoarthritis. Healthcare providers will suggest a nutritional plan that supports weight loss for people suffering from obesity.

Losing just 10% of body weight can reduce pain associated with the condition. A healthy balanced diet should be combined with an exercise regime.  Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center recommends cutting back on dietary fat and total calories.

Eating certain foods can help manage inflammation and reduce cholesterol. Fruit, vegetables and lean protein decrease further damage to the joints. 

A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E has anti-inflammatory benefits. Oily fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties.

Dairy products with calcium and vitamin D aid in bone strength. If you’re on a weight management program, choose a low-fat option.

Weight loss isn’t the ultimate goal. Managing your weight should be consistent and an ongoing process. A dietician can create a healthy eating plan to ensure you get the nutrition needed while maintaining a moderate weight.

Medication

Over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen and Naprosyn help with pain management. 

Prescription-strength Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do however come with side effects. Some are not recommended for people 65 years and older. Adverse effects include indigestion, stomach ulcers and diarrhea. 

Carbamazepine, a drug used to treat epilepsy, has shown some promise. A recent study published in Nature showed how blocking certain sodium channels with Carbamazepine can help minimize damage to joints and decrease pain in osteoarthritis. 

Supplements

Some supplements are known to help relieve the painful symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. 

Healthline notes that research is limited to managing the ailment with supplements. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also doesn’t regulate the market, so take them at your own risk.

A 2023 review does however support the theory that collagen supplements help with knee health. It found collagen decreases knee osteoarthritis pain, improves mobility and reduces stiffness.

Another supplement worth mentioning is curcumin. Its anti-inflammatory properties have long made it an integral part of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The supplement is sometimes prescribed as a replacement for people who suffer side effects of NSAIDs.

Cortisone Injections

Steroid injections offer quick pain relief and reduce inflation in the joints. But, injections for osteoarthritis have come under review in recent years. Experts say there’s a lack of evidence suggesting they work.

About 7% to 8% of patients receiving the treatment experienced worsened symptoms that progressed faster than expected. Other side effects include a temporary increase in blood sugar, joint bleeding, and, rarely, infection.

Osteoarthritis and existing knee pain can worsen over time. By implementing these treatment solutions, you can live a full, pain-free life without resorting to invasive surgery. 

Maintain your active lifestyle and a healthy weight. Consult your physician or healthcare provider before taking medication, supplements or injections.