Knee arthritis is the term used to describe the condition of osteoarthritis affecting the knee. Since the disease is of autoimmune origin, there is no cure for it and it can only be treated. Though there can be genetic susceptibility for the developing the disease, life style factors are also partly responsible for increasing the risk of the disease. This article tries to gain further insight on this topic.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis:
- Joint pain
- Difficulty in walking
- Redness of joint
- Tenderness of joint
- Swelling of joints
- Difficulty in moving joint
- Clicking of joint
- Stiffness of joint
- Warmth of joints
Treatment of Knee Arthritis:
Carrying out certain blood tests and examination of x-rays taken of the joints may confirm the condition. NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory drugs are generally prescribed by the doctors to treat it. But rely completely on these drugs cannot be beneficial.
Since arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, major changes in every living mannerism should undergo change too. Regular exercise is a must. It helps in keeping the joints functional and increases the range of motion of the arms, legs and other affected organs.
There are certain foods which are found to increase the swelling and pain of the joints. Awareness and avoiding these foods are necessary. Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers are some of these foods containing a component called solanine which causes harm to the interests of arthritis patients.
Taking bath with warm water, immersing the joints in warm water tub can increase the blood flow in these joints and relieve pain. If this technique is followed under the supervision of physiotherapists in specially meant pools for arthritis patients, it will be beneficial.
Magnetic therapy, acupuncture and ayurveda are some of the other alternative treatment methods which provide substantial relief from arthritis pain, without showing any side-effects. They are time-tested methods of treating ailments, but should be tried out under medical supervision in additional to following conventional medicine for gaining optimum benefits.
