ANATOMY OF KNEE ARTHRITIS
Knee arthritis may be post-traumatic (OA), degenerative (OA), or inflammatory (RA, Gout, Psoriatic). In degenerative and post-traumatic arthritis, the cartilage in your knee (responsible for cushioning and shock absorption) slowly wears away with time. In inflammatory cases, your immune system destroys the cartilage, or uric acid build-up causes issues with movement.
In any case, you’ll likely feel:Â
- Pain in the knee when walking on uneven surfaces, going up and down stairs or after sports.
- Crunching and grinding sounds when the knee is moved.
- Discomfort and irritation in the knee when carrying something heavy, during wet or cold weather and periods of exercise.
- Stiffness after sitting or being still for extended periods of time.
- Skin and nail changes (in the case of psoriatic arthritis)
- Severe pain at night (in the case of gout)
- Swelling (often present in psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis but not as common in OA)
- Gait changes
The severity of these symptoms depends on how advanced your condition is.Â
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KNEE ARTHRITIS TREATMENT WITHOUT SURGERY
In some cases, treatment surgeries like knee replacement and diagnostic surgeries like arthroscopies may be unavoidable. However, depending on your condition and your doctor’s advice, you may be able to manage your condition without surgery. Here are some tips to do so:
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EXERCISE
If you are suffering from arthritis, strengthening the knee and keeping the leg limber will relieve the pressure on the joint. Strength exercises will also help manage arthritis pain.Â
The best exercises target the quads, hamstrings, and glutes, such as squats, chair dips, wall-sits, and step exercises. In more advanced cases, it is helpful to see a physiotherapist who can put together a targeted exercise plan for your needs.Â
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PHYSIOTHERAPYÂ
Along with an exercise plan to strengthen the knee joint, your physiotherapist can help relieve pain through myofascial release and other techniques. They’ll also help you monitor the condition’s progression and recommend any additional steps to manage it.
KNEE BRACES FOR ARTHRITISÂ
Knee braces can substantially relieve arthritis symptoms and even improve the function of affected joints.
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MILD ARTHRITIS: GENUTRAIN A3
The GenuTrain A3 features a corrective strap for knee cap stability and a large gel pad that targets common pain areas. Its medical-grade compression weave provides relief and is comfortable enough to wear during any activity.
MODERATE ARTHRITIS: GENUTRAIN S
The GenuTrain S has hinged supports and adjustable strapping to help relieve pressure in the joint and protect the knee from painful movements, like going up and down stairs.
MODERATE OSTEOARTHRITIS: GENUTRAIN OA
Osteoarthritis typically affects one side of the knee more than the other, so an offloading brace like the GenuTrain OA can be a game changer. It is made from lightweight and elastic knit material and features soft compression, helping to improve blood circulation around the joint.
GenuTrain OAÂ
SEVERE ARTHRITIS: SECUTEC OA
This brace completely unloads the knee, taking pressure off the joint to relieve the symptoms of even the most severe arthritis in any range of movement.
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BEST DIET FOR KNEE ARTHRITISÂ
Vitamins and supplements can help manage the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. Vitamin D, Glucosamine, Omega-3 fatty acids, and curcumin all help reduce inflammation in the cartilage. They are best used in conjunction with physiotherapy and bracing to give your knee the most relief.
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HOT AND COLD THERAPYÂ
Ice packs can help get swelling under control and relieve pain. Meanwhile, heat packs help relieve the stiffness often associated with the condition. While these can be effective for managing some arthritis symptoms, they should always be used alongside active management methods like exercise and bracing.
