Knee Osteoarthritis Non-Surgical Treatment

Some people live active lives, never knowing they have knee osteoarthritis and don’t have any knee pain. When knee arthritis symptoms develop, patients can choose to treat either the symptoms or treat the structure and symptoms. Conservative treatment treats only the symptoms of knee arthritis.

Non-operative treatment of knee osteoarthritis involves a change in activities to avoid movements that cause knee pain, including taking time off from activities that cause knee pain, using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and physical therapy. Typically, symptoms will resolve within several weeks of conservative, non-surgical treatment. An injection of a steroid, hyaluronic acid (gel injection), or PRP can also help relieve knee pain. If your knee pain is resolved with non-operative treatment and you are able to return to your desired level of activity, then no joint replacement surgery is needed.

For many patients, knee osteoarthritis can be managed effectively without surgery. Non-surgical treatment options, including physical therapy, weight management, bracing, medications, and injections, can help reduce pain and improve knee function. Dr. Jorge Chahla offers a comprehensive approach to treating knee osteoarthritis, focusing on conservative methods to delay or avoid surgery whenever possible. If you are looking for ways to manage knee osteoarthritis without invasive procedures, Dr. Chahla can provide the latest non-surgical treatment options. Contact his office in Chicago, Naperville, or Oak Brook to discuss a personalized care plan.