Brief Answer:
Manamement options for osteoarthritis and other knee issues

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Health Care Magic.

Thanks for writing.

I am Dr. Saddiq ul Abidin. I have read your question completely, I understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible.

First if all, it is so sad to hear about the problem you are facing, but on the other hand it is relieving to know that you are otherwise health with only mild hypertension, which will be hopefully kept well in check with your medications.

Based on the history, you have explained in your brief description, the likelihood is that you are suffering from osteoarthritis of knee joints.

There are multiple other possibilities to your problem, but it would have been more commendable if we had known about the diagnosis and tests you have undergone so far before intra-articular steroid injections have been given.

Knee joint pain can occur in various conditions, which cause inflammation and disruption of normal fine anatomy of knee joint, in number of conditions based on the part of the joint involved like, bursitis, tendinitis, Torn meniscus causing muscle strains, and more serious injuries to ligaments and cartilage. But since there is no history of any mechanical injury or extensive overuse like in athletes. The other possibilities are more likely which are osteoarthritis, Gouty arthritis or septic arthritis.

osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It's a wear-and-tear condition that occurs when the cartilage in your knee deteriorates with use and age

Gouty arthritis ,when uric acid crystals build up in the joint. While gout most commonly affects the big toe, it can also occur in the knee.

Septic arthritis. Sometimes your knee joint can become infected, leading to swelling, pain and redness. There's usually no trauma before the onset of pain.
Septic arthritis often occurs with a fever.

based on your history the most likely possibility is of osteoarthritis.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is a progressive wearing of the cartilage in the knee joint. It occurs more frequently in individuals 50 and older. After 50, the impact of osteoarthritis can worsen due to accumulated use and the wearing down of cartilage that occurs with age.

Osteoarthritis of the knee causes pain, limited range of motion, stiffness of the knee, swelling of the joint, tenderness, deformity and weakness.

Causes of osteoarthritis include age, weight, genetics, previous injuries, infections, and illness (such as a tumor or gout).

Now comes the question of what to do next.

There are multiple pharmacological and surgical options available.Drugs like pain killers may be avoided as these are involved in several other complications. Acetaminophen is considerably safer if use is mandatory and unavoidable. Calcium and vitamin D supplements have shown some benefits.

Surgical procedures for osteoarthritis include arthroscopy, osteotomy, and (particularly with knee or hip osteoarthritis) arthroplasty. Patients with osteoarthritis who have undergone joint replacement have a good prognosis, with success rates for hip and knee arthroplasty generally exceeding 90%. However, a joint prosthesis may have to be revised 10-15 years after its placement, depending on the patient’s activity level.

Since you have already visited two orthopedicians and they have suggested you intra-articular injections, which are also part of treatment but have shown you little benefits, need for surgical arthroplasty is even more recommended in your case. But before that they have to be sure that they have tried every other option before jumping to that resort.

You can also pay visit to rehabilitative medicine specialist and pain medicine specialists, as well as nutritionists and physiotherapist. All have got there supportive role in the treatment by suggesting options like inducing safer analgesia, weight control and suitable exercises.

I hope this answered your question.If you have more queries I am happy to answer. Otherwise rate before closing the discussion

Regrads.

Dr. Saddiq ul Abidin

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