Suggest Treatment For Knee Stiffness Due To Cartilage Loss

Posted on Mon, 6 Nov 2017

Question: I'm a 57 year old woman with cartilage loss in both knees. I also developed water in one knee which had to be taken out. I find it increasingly difficult to get up once I lie or sit down. The knees are very stiff and the knee which contained the water is more stiff and difficult to bend. I further believe there is water collecting again. What should I do for the stiffness? I'm reluctant to undergo another knee effusion and as such would like to inquire if there's another option? What medicines should I tske for the stiffness? What food should I consume for osteoathritis? Any other advise, suggestions, etc. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
NSAIDS + Injections / Surgery described below

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
Cartilage loss in the knees means that you have osteoarthritis in the knee joints.
The treatment would depend on the severity of symptoms - since you have pain in getting up from sitting / lying position . You also have synovial effusion ( fluid in the joint) in one knee.
The options are .( I normally prescribe from the following)
1. Medicines - NSAID + Collagen peptides.
2. Physical and physiotherapy- Hot fomentation , Quadriceps exercises( Exercises to strengthen the thigh muscle - by physiotherapist). Knee support is useful during acute swelling.
3. Local Injections- Viscosupplementation , PRP , Stem Cells. I have never prescribed Steroids for knee Osteoarthritis.
4 Surgery- Joint replacement , Corrective osteotomy depending on your state of disease.
I hope this description helps you. Please feel free to ask any other question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (6 hours later)

Please let me know if there are any over-the-counter meds I can use. I'm reluctant to use steroids as I heard they contribute to decrease cartilage. Which is better PRP or stem cells? I don't want another knee effusion so what can I do to avoid the swelling of water in the knee? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try aleva

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I would suggest you to try Aleva . Rest I am not aware of what all medicines are available OTC at your place.
I Have been using PRP injections with good result. If you know some facility for stem cell therapy then I presume it may be better.
Exercises are the only way to prevent repeated swelling if there is no other pathology in the knee joint.
Thanx

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj