Knee pain is a very common symptom prevalent among not only the elders but also the younger ones. Arthritis is the most common cause of knee pain.
There are two types of knee arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, otherwise called wear-and-tear arthritis. The cartilage gives a cushion-like effect between the bone joints. In osteoarthritis, wear and tear activities remove the cartilage gradually. Hence, joint bones run against each other, which leads to knee pain. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks itself by damaging the cartilage. As and when the knee pain becomes severe, the muscles around the affected knee portion weaken. Hence, this condition leads to joint deformity where the knee shape may point inwards or outwards.
Knee arthritis not only causes pain. It is also accompanied by other symptoms like tenderness, limited range of motion, stiffness, swelling, warmth sensation and cracking noise, especially while climbing the steps.
Causes of Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is more common among females compared to males. The varied causes of knee arthritis include previous joint injuries, trauma, obesity, bone deformities, strenuous activities with repetitive movements, genetics, family history, Vitamin D and calcium deficiency. Over secretion of growth hormone and iron overload increase the risk to develop knee arthritis.
Diagnosis of Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis can be diagnosed by performing a physical examination and an X-ray scan. If the pain is severe, the physician may opt for an MRI scan for a detailed examination of bones, cartilage and soft bones. The physician will suggest a synovial fluid examination or blood test to detect rheumatoid arthritis.
The preliminary treatment measures for knee pain include R.I.C.E. therapy and medications to control the symptoms and avoid further joint damage. The home-based treatment named R.I.C.E. formula comprises of Rest, Ice therapy, Compression and Elevation. Medications such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide only short-term relief.
If the pain continues, the physician may recommend the administration of corticosteroid injections, but they can also provide only temporary relief with few side effects. Prolonged use of corticosteroid injections will suppress the body’s natural healing mechanism, and the patient may end up with knee replacement surgery.
Surgery will be the last resort if there is no significant improvement in symptoms. Various surgical procedures include knee arthroscopy, joint distraction, knee osteotomy and partial or total joint replacement. But surgery involves an extensive post-rehabilitation period, with a chance of another surgery in the future. You may have to undergo activity modification, such as reducing knee bending and climbing stairs. Follow up physical therapy, muscle strengthening exercises or use assistive devices like canes, after you get relief from knee pain. Dietary changes that aim at weight reduction may prevent the condition from getting worse.
Regenerative treatment can put an end to your long-lasting symptoms by repairing the damaged cells and restoring the normal function. Regenerative therapy is a non-surgical procedure with minimal downtime. It enhances recovery within a short period by stimulating your body’s healing mechanism naturally. The regenerative treatment has no side effects since it involves your own stem cells or blood cells. Hence, there is neither any rejection issues nor any cross-transmission of disease.
Regenerative treatment includes Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, Prolotherapy, SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) cell therapy and Mesenchymal cell therapy.
It is essential to treat the cause of the disease, instead of suppressing the related symptoms. This is where regenerative treatment proves to be safe and effective; it naturally treats the underlying cause.
For more information about the regenerative treatment for knee pain, You can also contact Medica Stem Cells clinic in London to learn more about the types of regenerative cell therapies, PRP Treatment in London available in the UK to treat knee arthritis.
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