Knee Osteoarthritis Treatments: An Overview of Your Options

There is no single treatment that makes knee osteoarthritis go away. Most people do best with a combination of measures that is adapted over time. Doctors usually start with simple, safe steps and only move on to more complex options when these are not enough. Here is an overview, from the basics to surgery. If you are not sure which type of osteoarthritis you have, our article on types of knee osteoarthritis is a good place to start.

The foundation: movement and weight

• Exercise. Regular, joint-friendly movement and targeted strengthening of the thigh and hip muscles are at the heart of almost every treatment plan. A physiotherapist can put together a program that suits you.
• Body weight. If you are overweight, even a few kilos less reduce the load on the knee with every step.
• Knowing your limits. Spreading activities over the day and resting after effort help you stay active without overloading the joint.

Everyday aids

• Good shoes that are soft and stable.
• A walking stick, held in the hand opposite the painful knee, can take load off the joint on longer walks.
• Heat or cold, depending on what feels better. Our article on heat or cold for knee pain explains when each one helps.
• A soft knee sleeve for gentle compression and a pleasant sense of support during the day. Firmer braces are sometimes prescribed by a doctor for specific cases.

Pain relief medication

Pain relievers in tablet or gel form can help on difficult days. Not every medicine is suitable for everyone, especially if you have stomach, kidney or heart problems or take medicines that prevent blood clotting. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which option is right for you and how long you can use it.

Injections

• Cortisone injections can calm a painful, swollen flare for a while. They are usually not given too often.
• Hyaluronic acid injections are meant to improve the joint fluid. Some people feel better, others notice little difference.
• Newer methods, for example preparations made from your own blood, are still being studied. Ask your doctor about the evidence and the costs before you decide.

Surgery

When pain and stiffness are severe and other measures no longer help enough, a doctor may suggest surgery. Depending on the situation, this can be a partial or total knee replacement. For some younger people with an uneven leg axis, an operation that corrects the axis is an option. These decisions are always made individually, together with an orthopedic specialist.

How to find your way

Write down which complaints bother you most and which activities you would like to be able to do again, for example going shopping or climbing the stairs without stopping. That makes it easier to talk about goals with your doctor. Be careful with products that promise to rebuild cartilage or make osteoarthritis disappear. Our article on knee cartilage wear explains why.

The best plan is usually the one you can keep up every day: regular movement, sensible load and a little support where you need it.

A sleeve you will actually wear

The best sleeve is the one that does not end up in a drawer. The KeenTrove Bamboo Knee Sleeve is made for exactly that:

• soft, breathable bamboo, comfortable even in summer
• fits snugly but does not dig in behind the knee
• does not lock the knee, so you move naturally
• wear it under your clothes during the day and in bed at night

With 60 days to get your money back, you have nothing to lose.

See the bamboo knee sleeve →

Note: this article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have circulation problems or diabetes, or have recently had knee surgery, talk to your doctor before wearing compression.