What are the Latest and Most Effective Treatments for Osteoarthritis of the Knees

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I have suffered from osteoarthritis of the knees for over 20 years. The level of pain and the activity limitations have increased over the years. I am at the point where I want to do something to address the problem. I’m not happy with the options my HMO is offering, and I want to learn a great deal more about all the options, regardless of cost, that are open to me. I am a layman and while I want the greatest level of detail I can find, it must be in a form understandable to me. I would greatly appreciate any help anyone can provide regarding the latest and most effective treatments for osteoarthritis of the knees.

Thank you.

-- Paul M. Carter (pcarter@coloradocomputer.com), September 27, 2001

Answers

There are a number of treatments available for the treatment for osteoarthritis of the knees, Depending on the amount of arthritis in your knee and area of the knee involved there are several options. These range from physical therapy, steroid injections, injections of synvisc and/or hyalgan, (a joint lubricant). Antiinflammatory medication is helpful in many instances.Some patients may benefit from an arthroscopic surgery which will debride some of the arthritic particles in the knee. Other patients will benefit only from a knee replacement. Unfortunately, the treatments are very individualized therefore, it is difficult to make a recommendation without viewing x- rays and patient examination.

-- Dotsie Czajkowski RNFA (hkhanuj@jhmi.edu), October 09, 2001.

My advice is not to rely on NSAIDs. Take nutritional supplements like glucosamine, micronutrients & certain Vitamins which are free of side effects. Take for few months & if no improvement then knee replacement is generally suggested.

-- Vikram Narang (vn_1976@rediffmail.com), October 21, 2003.

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