How many people suffer from knee osteoarthritis! The problem of knee osteoarthritis is considered a
common disease, and because this problem includes all age groups and is not specific to a specific age, it
is treated by different means.

In the following article, we learn in more detail about the methods of treating knee osteoarthritis.
Methods of treating knee osteoarthritis

When we talk about knee osteoarthritis, we mean the presence of knee inflammation, which has led to
the erosion of the cartilage between the thigh bones and the tibia, and thus the bones rub against each
other.

Cartilage erodes when exposed to one of the following factors:
Obesity and weight gain.
Rheumatic diseases.
Getting older.
Genetic factor.
Gender: Females are more susceptible to infection than men.

Treatment of knee Osteoarthritis
There are many methods used to treat knee osteoarthritis, the most prominent of which are the
following:
Medical treatment by drugs
Medications containing acetaminophen: These medications help patients who feel moderate to
severe pain.
Steroid-free anti-inflammatory drugs. The patient must refrain from taking these medications except
after consulting a doctor so as not to cause him any serious heart problems or bleeding.
Local analgesics, such as creams and ointments, aim to relieve swelling and pain in the knee.

Physiotherapy
The doctor schedules a number of sessions for the patient in the physical therapy clinic, which will
strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, increase their flexibility, and relieve pain in the knee.
Surgical treatment
If none of the above methods succeed in treating knee osteoarthritis, the doctor will eventually resort to
surgical intervention, which includes the following:

Sterile injections: The joint is injected with cortisone, which works to relieve the pain after the doctor
numbs the surrounding area. It is necessary that cortisone injections into the knee do not exceed 3 to 4
times, as this would expose it to damage over time.

Injection of oily substances: such as hyaluronic substance, which acts as a lubricant and reduces the
friction between the femur and tibia.
Knee joint replacement: The doctor recommends this method to patients who have a very high rate
of wear and tear in the knee. The patient undergoes a procedure in which the damaged surface of the
joint is removed and the doctor replaces it with metal or plastic parts.

Tests are necessary before treating knee osteoarthritis
As we have noted, the methods of treating knee osteoarthritis are varied and different. Therefore, it is
necessary to conduct some tests to diagnose the patient’s condition and know which method is most
capable of treatment. Among the most prominent medical examinations performed at the orthopedic
doctor’s office are the following:

X ray.
Magnetic Resonance.
Laboratory tests such as examining a blood sample and examining joint fluid.

How do we infer that knee osteoarthritis has been treated?

It can easily be known that the treatment has paid off when the symptoms resulting from knee
osteoarthritis subside, which include the following:

Feeling pain when doing activities that depend on the knee, such as standing or walking for a long
time.
Knee stiffness when waking up or starting to move.
A sound is produced when the knee moves (clicking).
Swelling of the knee due to inflammation of the cartilage fluid.

Finally, I hope that the article has fulfilled what you would like to know about treating knee
osteoarthritis, and if you have more questions, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Ibrahim Jadu, consultant
orthopedic and artificial joint surgeon.

Book An Appointment