According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 32,5 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis. This disease is most commonly found in the knee. This can have serious consequences for those who are active.

What is osteoarthritis in the knee?

Osteoarthritis causes the cushion protecting the joint to wear away, resulting in painful contact between bones. Bone spurs can form and cause pain. They can also break off and become stuck between the bones. This can cause a joint to become locked. It can be inherited, caused by injuries, obesity or old age. The result is always the same, regardless of the cause: increased pain and reduced mobility. The treatment of arthritis in the knee can be varied. Knee surgery is the most invasive form of treatment.

What Knee Surgery Involves

Three main types of knee surgeries are available for arthritis. The first type is called arthroscopy. To see inside the joint, a small telescope is used. A small telescope is used by the surgeon to reach into the joint and remove bone fragments and damaged cartilage. This procedure is used to delay major surgery in patients under the age of 55. The recovery period is usually only a few weeks.

Osteotomy is the second type. This surgery involves the surgeon changing the shape of bones in order to better align them. This surgery is not permanent.

Arthroplasty is the third type of knee arthritis surgery. This is a total knee replacement with plastic or metal components. This is a major operation, and the recovery period may last several months.

Treatment before Surgery

Surgery is a big decision that should only be taken after other options have been exhausted. A doctor may recommend a cortisone shot into the knee if pain is severe. The procedure is only allowed to be done three times per knee in your lifetime. Exercises, such as those designed to improve posture and weight bearing, are often recommended in conjunction with the injection.

Other pain relief methods, such as NSAIDs or topical creams, may also be recommended. There are many things that can be done in order to delay or prevent the need for surgery.

Consideration of Surgery

It may be necessary to consider surgery if the disease has progressed to a point where nothing is helping to ease the pain or your mobility. Another sign is pain that does not go away even when you’re at rest. Surgery is a big decision and should only be taken after you’ve thoroughly researched knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis, one of the most common diseases, is a very common disease. It is not comforting to learn that you are one of millions who suffer. It is important to find relief. Understanding the disease is essential to getting relief.