If you are living with knee osteoarthritis in New Jersey, everyday tasks can become more difficult. You may even have trouble walking a few steps or getting out of bed. However, you don’t have to live like this forever. There are several treatment options available.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a condition that causes the cushioning between your knee joints to deteriorate. As a result, the bones of the joints rub more closely against each other. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, reduced mobility and stiffness.
Why Does Knee Osteoarthritis Occur?
Age is the most common risk factor for knee osteoarthritis. As you get older, the cartilage in your knees can eventually wear out, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Obesity is another factor that can contribute to knee osteoarthritis. If you’re carrying around excess pounds, it could put stress on your knees and cause pain.
Athletes have a higher risk of developing knee osteoarthritis in New Jersey. Sports, like running and soccer, can especially put stress on the knees.
Heredity can also play a part in developing knee osteoarthritis. If anyone in your immediate family has had knee osteoarthritis, you have a higher chance of developing the condition.
How Do You Treat Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis can cause severe pain and limit the activities you can do. Luckily, there are several ways to treat the condition, including:
- Physical Therapy: More and more patients with knee osteoarthritis are turning to physical therapy for relief. A physical therapist can teach you various exercises to strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility, making it easier to perform daily activities.
- Supportive Aids: If you have osteoarthritis in New Jersey, using supportive aids may help decrease your pain and increase your mobility. For example, you could consider putting taping on your knee. It may improve alignment of your knee, ultimately reducing stress on the soft tissues.
- Weight Loss: If you are currently overweight, losing some weight can take stress off your knee. Start incorporating healthier foods into your diet, like fruits, veggies, fish, chicken and whole grains. Limit your consumption of fried and fatty foods.
- Heat Therapy: Heat can reduce inflammation in your knee joints, relieving your pain. Apply a water bottle filled with hot water to your knee several times a day to get relief.
If you are dealing with knee osteoarthritis in New Jersey, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor to discuss your treatment options.