question-icon

How Can Stiffness, Pain And Swelling Of The Knee Be Treated?

default
Posted on Sat, 17 Mar 2018
Question: I'm a 57 year old female with severe osteoathritis (bone on bone in the inner section and a plug of cartilage on the outer part) of the knee. I developed water in the knee last December (2016) and had knee effusion due to overseas travel.
I'm still (even after one year) experiencing swelling/filling-up of fluid, in addition to total stiffness of the knee.
The pain is at times unbearable. I find it difficult to get-up after sleeping or sitting for a period of time. I also find it impossible to climb up/down steps. My leg gait is also turning outward which makes it awkward to walk.
I'm reluctant to go for knee replacement as it only covers a period of (at most) 15 years and so believe it's too early (at 57 years).
What should I do? What are the reccommendations and also cure? What medicines should I take? Should I go for knee effusion again? Will stem cell or plasma rich platelet therapy eliminate the problem? What are the new discoveries/therapies for osteoathritis?
Thank you

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Multiple approaches to treat knee osteoarthritis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concern.

Severe cases of knee osteoarthritis associated with swelling, recommendations as following:
- non steroidal antiinflammatory meds ( including Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc)
- always use stomach meds as they might cause hyperacidity issues of the stomach
- apply cold compressess locally as the knee is swollen
- wear knee support brace to reduce the pain when moving
- apply antiinflammatory cream or gel locally
- old folks used to apply chopped onion with coarse salt locally. Try it hopefully it will give good results as for my patients
- take glucosamine, and hialurinic acid supplements for inflammation
- sometimes, injecting hialurinic acid inside the knee can help. This is not steroid
- physiotherapy with local massage can help

As you may see, there are multiple approaches. I hope they will work for you.

Dr.Albana
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7307 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Can Stiffness, Pain And Swelling Of The Knee Be Treated?

Brief Answer: Multiple approaches to treat knee osteoarthritis Detailed Answer: Hi, I understand your concern. Severe cases of knee osteoarthritis associated with swelling, recommendations as following: - non steroidal antiinflammatory meds ( including Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc) - always use stomach meds as they might cause hyperacidity issues of the stomach - apply cold compressess locally as the knee is swollen - wear knee support brace to reduce the pain when moving - apply antiinflammatory cream or gel locally - old folks used to apply chopped onion with coarse salt locally. Try it hopefully it will give good results as for my patients - take glucosamine, and hialurinic acid supplements for inflammation - sometimes, injecting hialurinic acid inside the knee can help. This is not steroid - physiotherapy with local massage can help As you may see, there are multiple approaches. I hope they will work for you. Dr.Albana