Knee pain can prevent a person from exercising, doing their job, and even completing simple daily tasks. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain, especially in older people.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is an arthritic condition in which the cartilage between the joints wears thin.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and usually results from ordinary wear and tear on the body over time. Many people will deal with osteoarthritis in some form or another as they age. Symptoms can include any of the following:
- Knee pain
- Difficulty walking
- Decreased mobility or range of motion
While the condition is most common in elderly patients, it can also be hereditary. Athletes and people whose work is physically demanding may be at increased risk as well.
Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Options
Treating osteoarthritis of the knee depends on the patient and the cause of the condition. Treatment options for a young patient will be different from those for an older patient. In any case, treatment generally begins on the conservative side, with methods like steroidal injections, over-the-counter or prescription medications, physical therapy, and more. If these methods do not work, we can offer Synvisc injections and bracing. Radiofrequency ablation of the knee’s pain-sensing nerves can be employed to avoid surgery. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is also becoming popular for the treatment of painful osteoarthritis of the knee. In severe cases, surgery may be the next option and we can refer you to world-class orthopedic surgeons.
Twin Cities Knee Pain Clinic
If your osteoarthritis is causing pain or interfering with your daily activities, it’s time to get treated for the condition. The pain management doctors at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of Minnesota have the experience and knowledge to provide you with the treatment you deserve. Contact us through our appointment form or call today at (612) 20-SPINE to set up your appointment with one of our doctors.