Knee osteoarthritis, right from its onset, might not need to be treated surgically. Based on the severity of the condition, doctors at Top Joint Replacement Hospital in Delhi, Saroj Hospital, generally recommend other options of treatments first. Surgery is usually only advised, when the condition demands so, or if all other options of treatment fail to work.
What are the other treatment options?
1.Oral medication- Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the common over-the-counter medications that our doctors might prescribe in this condition. They might also prescribe you higher doses of NSAIDs for better relief.
2.Creams or ointments- You would get different forms of creams and lotions that might give you some relief from the pain of osteoarthritis. The higher versions are only available for providing prescriptions.
3.Injections - For more severe cases of osteoarthritis, the Best Doctors in Delhi prescribe medicines that areinjected directly into the joint. These are known as corticosteroid injections which can efficiently deal with inflammation and offer fast pain relief. These injections can boost the natural fluids of your joint, which helps in the smooth movement of your knees. The effect of this treatment can last up to 6 months or more.
4.Physiotherapy and exercise- Exercising regularly can provide support to your knee muscles. Physiotherapy can also help in this situation. Sometimes, losing some weight can also help- you can try healthy dieting coupled with exercises. It will take some pressure off your knees.
5.Weight loss- The heavier you are, the more weight it puts on your knees. If you have severe osteoarthritis, losing some weight before the surgery would yield better results for you.
6.Nutritional supplements- Doctors are also known to suggest taking dietary supplements for strengthening the joint muscles. It would give you some relief from the pain by providing adequate nutrition to your knees. However, discuss your medical history and other medicines you take with our doctors to ensure no side effects.
All of these treatments can provide patients with pain relief so that they can continue with the basic essential movements. However, these can become ineffective over time, as none of them are permanent solutions to knee osteoarthritis. In such cases, surgery becomes essential.
What are the surgeries for treating knee osteoarthritis?
1.Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is one of the most common procedures undertaken at the Best Joint Replacement Centre in Delhi. In this process, surgeons insert a thin tube with a tiny camera through an opening on your skin to see the conditions of the inside of your knees. After that, they remove the damaged cartilage. This is followed by cleaning and flushing your knees internally, to remove any bone or cartilage pieces that have the potential to cause pain and pose difficulties.
Patients are known to recover from this surgery within a few days and can easily go back to resuming their daily routine. However, arthroscopic surgery provides short-term relief and is mostly done to delay complex surgeries.
2.Knee Replacement Surgery
If none of the osteoarthritis treatments work, and the pain persists, orthopedicdoctors recommend patients to undergo knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement is widely popular and can effectively reduce osteoarthritic pain, and help you to move freely. The surgery involves removing all the parts of the knee joint and replacing them with an artificial joint.
It can take several months to recover fully after undergoing knee replacement surgery. But the best thing about it is that its effect can last for a lifetime.
If you have been facing discomfort and pain due to osteoarthritis in the knee, contact Saroj Hospital,the top Centre for Joint Replacement in Delhi today. There you will get access to the best surgeons, and avail thorough screening systems as well as world-class treatment facilities that help you resume a pain-free normal life like before.
