Knee SOS: Battling Osteoarthritis with Knowledge and Care

April, 02 2024 • 5 min read

Understanding the patient experience in knee osteoarthritis is vital because it helps doctors, patients, and their families to navigate the challenges of the condition successfully. Patients can actively participate in their healthcare, make educated decisions, and improve their general well-being and quality of life is another benefit of understanding the patient journey.

For those looking for effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis, it is essential to understand what patients go through because living with this disease can be difficult. At AgEasy by Antara, we're committed to enriching the lives of seniors by offering valuable insights into the diverse facets of their well-being. From understanding the various stages of aging to exploring available therapies, we provide a roadmap that empowers informed choices. Join us in uncovering the complexities, addressing difficulties, and highlighting critical factors that shape a fulfilling and vibrant senior journey.

Here are some guiding steps to start your journey towards a healthy life.

1. Recognizing symptoms and seeking help

Recognizing your symptoms is the first step towards your journey to knee osteoarthritis.

You may experience symptoms such as occasional pain in the knee region, morning stiffness in the joints, swelling, increased creaking of the joints, and reduction in the range of movements of the legs.

If these are the symptoms that you are experiencing, it's time you see a specialist doctor.

2. Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis

The doctor or the primary consultant will assess your family history and medical history and then proceed towards a physical examination of the affected area.

If the doctor suspects osteoarthritis, you may be advised to get an X-Ray done. X-Ray will confirm the diagnosis of osteoarthritis as the loss of joint space can be visible, a sign of osteoarthritis.

A specialist consultant doctor may be roped in depending on the severe condition and treatment plan.

3. Developing a Care Plan

If you are diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, the specialist will give a care plan for treating your disease.

A care plan outlines how you and your doctor will collaborate to reduce your symptoms and aid in daily activity management.

This will include osteoarthritis education, dietary and lifestyle adjustments promoting increased physical activity, weight loss, and therapeutic exercise.

Advice on self-care management at home by the patient will also be conveyed by the doctor, highlighting the measures or steps you can take daily to manage your symptoms.

In case of severe osteoarthritis, the doctor may suggest a care plan which includes pharmacological management. This also creates a possibility of surgical interventions if the case cannot be managed by self-care treatment.

4. Self-Management Care Plan

The care plan given to you may be customized according to your needs and the progression of the disease, created by a collaboration of doctors, physiotherapists, and dieticians.

The main motive for this care plan will be to give you the power to manage your symptoms and take active steps towards them.

Your doctors offer suggestions on daily exercises, diet charts or plans, weight management, managing everyday tasks, assistive devices, and pain management.

5. Pharmacological or Surgical Care Plan

A pharmacological care plan can be suggested if the pain is too intense. Topical treatments such as pain relief creams or gel containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs1) may be given.

Surgical procedures may be undertaken if self-care management is insufficient and the quality of life diminishes.

Depending on the patient's age, general health, and degree of knee osteoarthritis, procedures like arthroscopy2, joint realignment3, or knee replacement surgery may be suggested.

Even if surgical procedures are beneficial, patients are urged to carefully explore their options and have in-depth conversations with their healthcare professionals to help them make selections.

6. Get yourself more educated about your disease.

Knowing about your disease and how you can manage it gives a sense of empowerment and confidence.

Spend some time learning about knee osteoarthritis and its management. Discuss your doubts or confusion about your care plan or the disease with your doctor.

By knowing the correct information, you will be able to safeguard your joints more efficiently and stay safe while you are engaged in physical activity.

In conclusion, knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, patients can actively manage their condition and work towards improving their joint health.

At AGEasy by Antara, we understand that aging gracefully means enjoying life to the fullest. We are committed to providing high-quality products that help seniors stay independent, active, and healthy. Our carefully curated products meet the needs and goals of our valued seniors. We offer everything from supportive braces to pain relievers, nutraceuticals, and energy-boosting vitamins.

To learn more about our company and products, dial our helpline number at +919911789911

Glossary

1 - NSAIDs: Pain-relieving medicines that reduce inflammation (e.g., Ibuprofen).

2 - Arthroscopy: A small camera used to see inside joints for diagnosis or treatment without open surgery.

3 - Joint realignment: Realigning the bones in a joint to improve function and reduce pain.

References:

1. https://arthritis.ca/treatment/your-patient-journey
2. https://www.miracleshealth.com/blog/arthritis-everything-you-should-know-about-it/#:~:text=Physical%20therapy%3A%20Specific%20exercises%20can,relieve%20pain%20and%20reduce%20inflammation.
3. https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/arthritis/