Knee pain and knee osteoarthritis are among the most common joint problems people experience today. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that slowly wears away the joint cartilage. Increasing with age, knee osteoarthritis is a kind of disease of ageing, seen more often in middle-aged and older people and in women. So how can we get rid of osteoarthritis and knee pain? Surgical treatments are very successful, but is it also possible to overcome osteoarthritis or delay surgery with non-surgical methods?
Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) is a disease marked by progressive wearing of the cartilage in the joints, common in middle and older age and in women. Osteoarthritis of the knee can occur with ageing without any other disease, or it can result from causes such as rheumatic diseases, blood diseases, medication, or damage to the joint cartilage after trauma. It starts with complaints such as occasional creeping pain, morning stiffness and a grinding sound with movement, and over time it can make the person unable to do even simple things such as sitting down, standing up or climbing stairs. The good news is that by starting treatment early, it is possible to stop the disease from progressing.
Today, non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis are increasing and are increasingly preferred. It is possible to relieve knee pain by repairing the inner structure of the knee and strengthening the knee ligaments. Listed from mild to more advanced treatments:
A holistic approach, exercise and weight control are essential…
In the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, the patient must be assessed with a holistic approach, from their diet to their lifestyle and eating habits. A dietitian, sports trainer, physiotherapy and, if necessary, bariatric surgery can help. Because excess weight increases the load on the knee joint, the main aim of a personalised nutrition programme is to reach normal body weight. Physiotherapy helps strengthen the muscles around the knee and temporarily relieves pain.
It is important to check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies and, if needed, to use vitamins and minerals important in osteoarthritis treatment, such as vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid and zinc, as dietary supplements. Extracts such as St John's wort oil and plane-tree leaf also support cartilage synthesis, ease symptoms such as pain and stiffness, and help the body while the damaged joint is being repaired. However, if cartilage damage has occurred, more effective methods must be added to the treatment.
Knee braces or insoles
Although they can reduce pain by somewhat lowering the load on the joint, they cannot prevent osteoarthritis, and continuous use is not practical.
Glucosamines, collagen and plant-based medicines: These substances are sold as food supplements. They can slow cartilage wear and repair some damage, and are effective in mild osteoarthritis.
Viscosupplementation (artificial joint fluid injection):
Injections into the joint provide a kind of lubrication on the worn joint surface, reducing friction and wear. They can give relief for around 4–6 months.
The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace an examination and diagnosis.