What Are the Treatments for Severe Osteoarthritis of Knees?

Of the three types of arthritis that affect the knee joint, osteoarthritis is the most common. According to the Mayo Clinic, while there are no known cures, there are numerous treatments available for severe osteoarthritis.

Description

• Osteoarthritis is most often known as the wear-and-tear form of arthritis. It is a slow and progressive degenerative disease that wears away the tough, lubricated cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the joints.

Medications

• A Cox-2 inhibitor, like Celebrex, and corticosteroids are prescribed for severe pain; corticosteroids are injected into the joint. NSAIDs, in both prescription and over-the-counter forms, are recommended; these include Motrin, Aleve and Advil.

Alternative

• Acupuncture may relieve the pain of osteoarthritis in some individuals. Another alternative treatment is magnetic pulse therapy which works by sending pulsed signals to the osteoarthritic areas.

Supplements

• Supplements that appear to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis include glucosamine and chondroitin, SAM-e, avocado extract, and extract from a plant called Devil's Claw.

Surgical

• Surgical treatments include an osteotomy to improve alignment of the knee joint, arthroscopic surgery which allows the surgeon to repair torn cartilage, and a partial or total knee arthroplasty to replace the damaged joint cartilage.