Nonoperative Knee Arthritis Treatment in Trenton

These non-surgical interventions can help improve or relieve your knee arthritis symptoms.

When it comes to nonoperative knee arthritis treatment in New Jersey, you probably have more available options than you realize. Although some individuals do eventually require a surgical procedure for relief from their condition, many cases can be managed through non-operative treatment and self-care. If you or someone you love is seeking relief for knee arthritis symptoms, the team at Trenton Orthopaedic Group at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute can help with compassionate care and treatment.

Self-Care Treatment Options

Whether used alone or in conjunction with other methods, these interventions have been shown to aid nonoperative knee arthritis treatment in Trenton in the reduction or relief of symptoms:

• Nutrition – While there is no dietary cure for arthritis, certain foods have been shown to fight inflammation, boost the immune system, and strengthen bones. Incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids (as in fish and olive oil), beans, nuts and seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables into your meal plan to help reduce symptoms. Bonus: These foods also encourage weight loss, ultimately placing less stress on your fatigued joints!

• Exercise – Just 45 minutes of moderate activity per week is enough to improve health and reduce symptoms in many patients. Patients seeking nonoperative knee arthritis treatment in Trenton particularly benefit from low-impact activities such as cycling, swimming and/or water aerobics, Tai Chi, chair yoga, and ballroom dancing.

• Warm baths – Soaking or exercising in warm water can help relieve pain in the knees and relax their supporting muscles. Some patients perceive an added benefit from dosing the water with minerals or Epsom salts as well.

• Knee braces, sleeves, and other devices – Custom orthotics may add further support by targeting the patient’s posture, balance, and form without causing any adverse side effects. A knee brace, sleeve, or wrap shifts load-bearing weight away from the knee. Elastic bandages are sometimes utilized to add support as well.

• Walking aids – Canes, walkers, and the like may reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. However, while they reduce the load on the knee, they may shift weight onto other affected joints, such as the hip. Implementation of walking aids should be made in consultation with your physician.

Arthritis Medications

• Over-the-counter pain relievers – Depending on the patient’s severity of pain and medical history, a physician may recommend pain relievers to assist in therapy and relief of symptoms.

• Topical NSAIDs – These rub in medications offer all the benefits oral NSAIDs with less risk of adverse effects to the gastrointestinal system. As a result, they are a common option for nonoperative knee arthritis treatment in Trenton.

• Opioid and narcotic analgesics – These strong medications may offer a significant reduction in pain accompanied by some improvement in physical function, though they may be accompanied by significant side effects such as nausea, constipation, dizziness, sleepiness, and vomiting. Due to the rise in abuse of these medications, physicians tend to dispense fewer of them and encourage patients to move to other methods quickly.

• Corticosteroid injections – These injections deliver corticosteroid compounds directly into affected joints and can be useful for decreasing pain in the short term. However, the effect tends to wear off after a few short weeks. To maintain relief, you may need to have repeat injections every few months or select another treatment.

Left untreated, mild symptoms of arthritis can lead to progression of the disease or further injury to the joints. If you have any questions about what lifestyle changes are right for you, or if you are already experiencing knee pain, your first step should be to consult your physician right away. For more specialized treatment, visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.