Knee arthritis is a chronic and inflammatory disease that leads to destruction and damage to the surface of the knee joint. In this disease, the degree of erosion and wear of the knee cartilage surface increases and causes pain, stiffness and limitation of movement in the joint. Treatment of knee osteoarthritis usually focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and increasing joint function. In the following, we will examine the exercises and solutions that may be useful in managing and reducing the symptoms of knee arthritis:
1. Strengthening exercises: Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee can increase muscle strength and prevent excess tension and pressure on the knee joint. Isolation exercises for the hamstrings, such as quadriceps contraction and release, as well as exercises to strengthen the hamstrings can be helpful.
2. Aerobic exercises: Gentle aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling on a flat surface and swimming can help improve cardiovascular function and maintain a healthy weight. These exercises increase muscle strength, improve bone formation, and reduce body weight, which can be useful in reducing pressure and force on the knee joint.
3. Flexibility exercises: Flexibility exercises such as stretching exercises and yoga can increase the flexibility of the muscles and tissues around the knee and improve the range of motion and flexibility of the joint.
4. Weight management: maintaining a healthy weight and losing weight if necessary can reduce extra pressure and stress on the knee joint and control the symptoms of arthritis.
5. Use of assistive devices: Using assistive devices such as a cane or cane, if needed, can help reduce pressure and force on the knee and reduce pain and symptoms.
It is important to consult your doctor or sports specialist before starting any exercise or treatment program.
What exercises can help reduce knee pain and arthritis?
The following exercises may help reduce pain and manage knee osteoarthritis:
1. Muscle strengthening exercises: Exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee can reduce the pressure on the knee joint and increase the strength and stability of the joint. Exercises such as quadriceps contractions, isometric contractions (without changing muscle length), and hamstring isolation exercises can be helpful. Also, back and abdominal muscle strengthening exercises can help maintain balance and strength of the whole body.
2. Aerobic exercises without impact: Aerobic exercises that are performed without impact and high pressure on the knee can help improve cardiovascular function, increase muscle strength and reduce body weight. For example, swimming, wading, cycling on a flat surface or using non-weight bearing machines (which reduce the forces on the knee) can be suitable.
3. Flexibility exercises: Stretching and flexibility exercises can increase the flexibility of the muscles and tissues around the knee and improve the range of motion and flexibility of the joint. Yoga, pilates, and stretching exercises such as leg curls and stretches can be helpful.
4. Balance and stabilization exercises: Exercises that improve balance and stability of the whole body can distribute pressure on the knee and help reduce pain. Exercises such as standing on one leg, stepping up and down from a chair, and balance exercises on a balance board can be helpful.
Before doing any exercise, it is important to consult your doctor or sports specialist.
Is surgery necessary for knee arthritis?
In many cases, knee arthritis can be managed and controlled and does not require surgery. In fact, non-surgical treatment is usually considered the first option for managing knee osteoarthritis. If your signs and symptoms are severe and non-surgical treatment is not effective or if they worsen day by day, your doctor may refer you to knee surgery.
Usually, knee surgery in knee osteoarthritis is required in cases where there are serious and irreversible complications, such as severe inability to move, severe pain, and severe limitation in daily functioning. Types of surgeries include:
1. Arthroscopy: In this procedure, small instruments are inserted into the knee through small holes in the skin to clean and repair the damaged tissues.
2. Joint replacement: In some cases, the damaged knee is replaced with an artificial or reconstructive joint. This surgery is usually performed in the advanced stages of knee arthritis where there is severe pain and acceptable limitation of movement.
The final decision on whether you need knee surgery should be made by your doctor based on your medical history, signs and symptoms, test results, and imaging studies. Therefore, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the right treatment options for your particular condition.
Common drugs to control knee arthritis
To control knee osteoarthritis, non-surgical methods, including lifestyle changes, drug therapy, and physical therapy, are usually chosen initially. Below are some common medications to control knee arthritis:
1. Anti-inflammatory: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee.
2. Steroids: The use of steroids such as prednisolone may be effective in reducing inflammation and knee pain. These drugs are usually prescribed for a short period of time.
3. Dietary supplements: Some dietary supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, may be helpful in improving knee osteoarthritis symptoms. However, the exact effects of these supplements are still a matter of debate, and definitive and favorable results have not been provided regarding their effects on knee osteoarthritis.
4. Analgesics: Pain relievers such as paracetamol (Tylenol) can be helpful in reducing knee pain.
It should be noted that the exact type and dosage of drugs depends on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s condition and should be prescribed by a doctor. Also, any change in medication regimen should be done with the consultation and supervision of a doctor.
Do nutritional supplements have a positive effect for controlling knee arthritis?
The use of food supplements to control knee arthritis is considered by many people. Dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are often touted as options for improving knee osteoarthritis symptoms. These supplements are usually in a class of chemical compounds called aminoglycosides and are used to improve the health and function of joint cartilage.
Overall, research has shown that glucosamine and chondroitin may improve knee osteoarthritis symptoms in some cases, but there are no clear-cut results. Several studies have been conducted in this field and different results have been reported. Some studies have shown that taking glucosamine and chondroitin can significantly improve knee pain and function in some people, while other studies have not reported significant results.
However, dietary supplements are used as a complementary method along with other treatments such as lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and drug therapy. Before using any dietary supplement, it is important to consult your doctor to ensure that it is compatible with your condition and does not interact with other medications. Also, you should follow the directions carefully and report any adverse symptoms to your doctor.
What kinds of lifestyle changes can speed up the improvement of knee osteoarthritis symptoms?
Lifestyle changes can speed up the healing of knee osteoarthritis symptoms and improve quality of life. Below are the changes you can make in your lifestyle:
1. Lose weight: If you are overweight, losing weight can reduce the pressure on your knees and speed up the healing of knee osteoarthritis symptoms. This can be done by combining a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
2. Regular physical activity: Regular and gentle physical activity can increase muscle endurance and improve knee strength. Sports such as swimming, cycling, walking, endurance and strengthening exercises are suitable. Before starting any exercise program, it is best to consult your doctor or physiotherapist.
3. Rest and relaxation: If you experience severe pain and inflammation, resting and relaxing your knees can help them heal. But it is recommended not to rest for a long time and to continue daily activities gradually.
4. Using anti-inflammatory methods: Applying ice packs or heat to painful areas may help reduce pain and inflammation. Also, your doctor may prescribe topical anti-inflammatory medications such as creams or gels.
5. Use of assistive devices: Using devices such as braces, walkers or suitable shoes can reduce the pressure on the knees and help maintain the endurance and stability of the knees.
It is important to consult your doctor before making any lifestyle changes so that you can determine the right program for you and benefit from its positive effects on knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
What kind of healthy diet do you recommend to lose weight and improve knee arthritis symptoms?
To lose weight and improve the symptoms of knee arthritis, a healthy and regulated diet can be helpful. Below are suggestions for a healthy diet to lose weight and improve knee osteoarthritis symptoms:
1. Consumption of anti-inflammatory foods: adding anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish (such as sardines, salmon, salmon), olive oil, vegetables and fresh fruits (such as tartar leafy vegetables, broccoli, spinach, strawberries, raspberries and tangerines) Adding to your diet can help reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis.
2. Consuming enough protein: Proteins are important for maintaining the health of muscles and joint tissues. You can include healthy sources of protein such as chicken, fish, lean red meat, eggs, low-fat dairy, and peas and beans in your diet.
3. Consuming fiber-rich foods: Consuming fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, peas, and beans can help reduce weight and improve knee arthritis symptoms. Fiber causes satiety in the stomach and helps to reduce daily caloric intake.
4. Consuming healthy oils: Healthy oils such as olive oil, canola oil, and avocado may help reduce inflammation and improve knee osteoarthritis symptoms. But you should pay attention to their consumption and pay attention to the limit of daily fat consumption.
5. Reducing consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods: Consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods can lead to weight gain and joint inflammation. It is better to limit the consumption of processed foods, sweet foods, fried foods and sweet drinks.
6. Consuming the right amount of water: Water is important. Using the right amount of water is important to maintain moisture and joint health. Make sure you drink enough water and avoid sugary drinks and sodas.
7. Taking useful supplements: In some cases, taking supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can accelerate the improvement of knee arthritis symptoms. However, it is best to consult your doctor or nutritionist before taking any supplements.
It is important to adjust your diet according to your personal needs and the recommendations of your orthopedic doctor together with your nutritionist. Also, you may need to make changes to your diet in order to achieve continuous and lasting improvement.
