Why it’s important to get early treatment for knee arthritis
MR WINSTON KIM IS A CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON AT SPIRE MANCHESTER HOSPITAL. HERE HE ADVISES ON EARLY TREATMENT FOR KNEE ARTHRITIS
KNEE arthritis or osteoarthritis is a common condition where the ‘hard’ cartilage of the knee is worn or damaged, causing discomfort particularly when walking or weight bearing.
It can be treated in a number of ways but before treatment starts, it is useful for a healthcare professional to fully assess your symptoms and advise on the treatment options available to you.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Common symptoms associated with knee arthritis include pain, discomfort, stiffness, tightness, swelling, trouble when walking, sudden sharp pain when turning or twisting, or a grating feeling when you move the knee.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS FOR KNEE ARTHRITIS
If you have mild to moderate knee arthritis, you may benefit from non-surgical treatment such as physiotherapy, exercises or injections to help with relieving symptoms.
INJECTIONS FOR KNEE ARTHRITIS
Knee injections do not cure structural problems such as loss of the hard cartilage or cartilage tears. However, if you have mild to moderate arthritis they may provide improvement in symptoms, whilst you increase your fitness levels, strength and flexibility with appropriate exercises and physiotherapy treatment.
These injections include: • Hyaluronic acid injections: These aim to improve the viscous and elastic elements of joint fluid, which
is affected in people with knee complaints. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance and unlike steroid injections, may have a cumulative effect in managing symptoms. • Platelet rich plasma injections (PRP injections): There are various types of PRP injections available. There is evidence these injections help improve symptoms but will not cure arthritis. • Combined therapy: A combination of PRP injections and hyaluronic acid injections may help to relieve symptoms.
• Stem cell-like injections: The idea of stem-cell injections is to encourage healing of hard cartilage, which does not otherwise regenerate itself. Cells are obtained from bone marrow in your pelvic bone using a syringe. The cells are then separated and injected into the joint. Stem-cell therapy does not work straight away. Research is taking place in relation to how stem-cell treatment best works in osteoarthritis.
A healthcare professional can discuss with you which treatment is most suitable dependant on your history and any relevant tests required.
ADVANCES IN TREATMENT FOR KNEE ARTHRITIS
Some people with knee arthritis may require surgery. Nowadays, there are advances in technology including robotics.
Robotic-assisted surgery provides a personalised surgical plan for joint replacement surgery. Compared to traditional surgery, Mako robotic assisted surgery has been proven to significantly reduce pain after surgery, allowing for a faster recovery in early knee movement and ensures joint replacement is more accurate.
FREE HIP AND KNEE PAIN EVENT
Come along to Spire Manchester’s free Hip and Knee Pain Event to meet Mr Kim on Tuesday 15th October at 6pm.
He will be discussing symptoms and treatment options including pioneering robotic-assisted surgery available at the hospital.
Visit the website to secure your place: www.spiremanchester.com
Spire Manchester Hospital is the only facility in the North West of England to offer Mako roboticassisted surgery. Find out more by visiting www.spiremanchester.com or calling 0161 447 6700.