Whether you are waiting for a total knee replacement or maximising the time before surgery, it is important to optimise pain relief management and maximise your knee functionality. There are various non-operative pain management strategies that can be implemented with varying degrees of success and to assist you, this page summarises current available treatment options. Consult with healthcare professionals and monitor your condition to ensure that you are receiving the most appropriate and effective care for your situation.
Strong Recommendations
Gather Information
By becoming informed about the nature of your condition, you can gain realistic expectations about your health journey, and this will aid in the treatments you consider. Health practitioners contributing to this could include general practitioners, physiotherapists, and specialist consultants.
Oral Analgesics and Anti-Inflammatories
Oral medications, such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are highly effective in managing both arthritis and associated pain. These medications, considered the first-line treatment, act by reducing inflammation and providing symptomatic relief. Take under guidance of your doctor and adhere to medication directions.
Topical NSAIDs: The Role of Voltaren Emulgel
Topical NSAIDs, such as Voltaren Emulgel, provide an under-utilised yet efficient treatment strategy. They enable targeted treatment application directly onto inflamed joints, offering localised relief with minimal systemic side effects.
The Importance of Supervised Exercise Programs
Engaging in a supervised exercise program under the guidance of a physiotherapist plays a pivotal role in managing arthritis. It enhances joint mobility, muscle strength, and improves proprioception, thereby reducing joint force and associated pain.
Moderate Recommendation
Assistive Walking Devices
Utilising uncomplicated walking aids, such as canes, walking sticks, and off-loading braces, can be beneficial and effective. Seeking professional services, such as physiotherapy or orthotics will help in the provision of such aids. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that off-loading braces may be onerous to use which can result in inconsistent usage.
Weight Reduction and Dietary Changes
There are significant benefits of weight reduction, and its maintenance is well-acknowledged; however, it can be difficult and slow to implement. Do what you can to maintain an optimal weight and consume a nutritious diet.
Administration of an Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection
This tactic serves as a readily available and successful method for temporary alleviation of discomfort. However, it’s essential to consider that the relief it offers is short-term and carries with it the associated risk of introducing bacteria into the existing joint.
Limited Evidence
- Oral and Dietary Supplements
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation/Ablation
- Genicular Artery Embolisation
- Platelet Rich Plasma Injection
Advise Against
Opioid Medication Use
Studies have now shown that opioid medications are less effective and create dependence. Thus, the use of opioids is not recommended for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Knee Arthroscopy
A common misconception is that an arthroscopic ‘clean up’ is a treatment option for osteoarthritis. However, multiple studies clearly indicate that knee arthroscopy is not effective at treating knee arthritis pain. That being said, arthroscopy may play a role in alleviating mechanical symptoms such as locking, clicking, and loose bodies in the context of arthritis.
Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to advocate for the routine utilisation of hyaluronic acid injections in treating osteoarthritis. Studies indicate injectables may offer minor temporary pain relief in the early stages of osteoarthritis. However this space needs ongoing review as injectable solutions and combinations are an active area of research aimed at addressing osteoarthritis symptoms.
Dr Yas Edirisinghe
Dr Yas Edirisinghe is open to offering his expertise in managing knee arthritis, and can guide you through surgical and non-surgical options suitable to your unique situation. For questions concerning knee pain, please contact the practice to submit your inquiries. Dr Edirisinghe remains dedicated to supporting you in your hip and knee health journey.
Advanced, patient-centred technology for better outcomes.
Contact us via the contact page or chatbot available across our website and Dr Yas will respond promptly.