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Arthritis is a disease that typically worsens over the years, so it is common for treatment to involve more than one approach and to change over time. For some people, the lifestyle changes, medications, and walking aids described on the next pages help alleviate the pain. For others, knee replacement surgery, which is discussed later in this booklet, may be the only long-term solution. Together, you and your doctor can determine the best treatment options for you.

The following nonsurgical treatments are often recommended for knee pain:

Did you know? For a perfect fit, the top of your cane’s handle should reach the crease of your wrist, when you are standing with arms at your side. The cane should be held in the hand opposite the painful knee.

Pacing Your Activities helps protect your joints. This involves alternating periods of activity with periods of rest, so your joints don’t tire from the stress of repeated tasks.

Assistive Devices may help you maintain mobility, while easing joint stress and pain. For example, shoe inserts called orthotics are designed to support, align, and improve the function of your foot. In turn, they may lessen the pressure on your knees. A cane can also be very helpful (not to mention dapper).

Did you know? Many range-of-motion exercises and aerobic exercise programs, including fitness walking and swimming, are often beneficial for people with osteoarthritis. Strengthening of the quadriceps (thigh muscle) can help reduce knee pain caused by kneecap (patella) problems and several different kinds of ligament tears.

Low-Impact Exercise is important to keep the body moving and flexible. And contrary to popular opinion, when done properly, it will not “wear out” joints or increase osteoarthritis.

Weight Loss reduces the stress on your knees and is beneficial for people in all stages of osteoarthritis. After all, your knees bear the full load of your weight plus everything you carry.

Bracing may help reduce knee pain and improve function and mobility. Different types of braces are available. For example, a “support” brace supports the entire load on your knee, but an “unloader” supports the weight on only one side, when only one side of the knee is damaged.

Did you know? Physical therapists can work with you to create a personalized exercise program and show you how to use therapeutic heat and massage. Occupational therapists can introduce you to all kinds of beneficial devices, such as those used to elevate chair or toilet seat height.

Heat or Cold treatments may provide short-term relief from arthritic pain and stiffness. Using cold packs helps reduce inflammation and swelling and may be useful in flare-up situations. Heat assists in relaxing muscles and increasing circulation.

Physical & Occupational Therapy can help you manage the pain of osteoarthritis.

Medications are used by millions of people to treat osteoarthritis. They run the gamut from over-the-counter to prescription drugs, including aspirin-free pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, disease modifiers, and sleep medications. Nonnarcotic and narcotic pain relievers can also be used. However, some of these can be addictive over time.

Did you know? It is important to talk with your doctor about all medications and dietary supplements you are taking or are considering taking, even those available without a prescription. All drugs have side effects, and some of the medications used to treat osteoarthritis increase the risk of liver and kidney damage. Even nonprescription NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, have potential cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.

Primary care physicians often begin treating osteoarthritis with a simple pain reliever such as acetaminophen3 (Tylenol). If the pain persists, oral NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be tried.

Injections of hyaluronic acid, a substance produced in natural, healthy joints, are sometimes used to provide temporary relief from knee pain. Anesthetics also may be injected with a corticosteroid (usually cortisone), to numb your knee and help keep pain at bay.

Nontraditional or Alternative Treatments are used by many people who suffer from knee osteoarthritis, although the effectiveness of these treatments is usually not supported by widely accepted scientific research. In addition, herbal and dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Because drug interactions and side effects can occur, it is extremely important for you to consult with your physician about all supplements and medications that you are taking or considering taking.

Did you know? The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a study called the Glucosamine/ Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), the first multicenter study to test the effects of these dietary supplements in treating knee osteoarthritis. The study found that these supplements, when used in combination, may provide pain relief for people with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. People with mild osteoarthritis did not experience significant pain relief.4