How is knee osteoarthritis treated? Is surgery possible?

How is knee osteoarthritis treated? Is surgery possible?

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition, especially in older people or those who use their knees for extended periods, such as walking, standing, lifting heavy objects, or frequently climbing stairs.

Many people, upon diagnosis, worry about whether surgery is necessary.

In reality, knee osteoarthritis can be treated in several ways, and not everyone requires surgery.

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is caused by the degeneration of the articular cartilage, resulting in uneven joint surfaces and friction during movement. Common symptoms include:

• Knee pain when walking, standing up, or climbing stairs.
• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
• Clicking sounds in the knee.
• Swollen knee or limited range of motion.

Can knee osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?

For most patients, especially in early to moderate stages, non-surgical treatment is possible with appropriate and consistent care.

Non-surgical treatment approaches:

• Medication: To help reduce pain and inflammation, as determined by a physician.
• Physical therapy: To strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and reduce pressure on the joint.
• Modifying knee usage habits, such as avoiding cross-legged sitting, squatting, or frequently climbing stairs.
• Controlling body weight helps reduce pressure on the knee joint and slows degeneration.
• Local injections may be considered by doctors to reduce pain and inflammation in some cases.

Non-surgical treatments can effectively relieve symptoms and slow knee degeneration if patients consistently follow recommendations.

When might surgery be necessary?

Surgery is usually considered in the following cases:

• Severe and chronic knee pain.
• Non-surgical treatments have not improved symptoms.
• Severe knee osteoarthritis significantly impacting daily life.

Currently, minimally invasive surgical techniques reduce injury, speed recovery, and minimize complications. Doctors will assess suitability on an individual basis.

Proper knee osteoarthritis care from the early stages.

Early treatment of knee osteoarthritis reduces the severity of the disease and allows patients to live as close to a normal life as possible. Consulting a specialist as soon as symptoms appear ensures

appropriate care tailored to each individual's knee condition.

Orthopedic and Joint Center

Provides comprehensive care for patients with knee osteoarthritis and other bone and joint diseases, from assessment and diagnosis to appropriate treatment planning, both surgical and non-surgical.

With the safety and quality of life of our patients as our top priority,

if you experience knee pain or suspect you have osteoarthritis, getting checked today is crucial for long-term knee care.