Expert Tips for Managing Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

What is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis, or knee OA, is a form of arthritis which involves wear and tear of the cartilage between the joints of the body.

The goal of our assessment and treatment is to give you pain relief, optimism, and energy so you can stay active and do more of the things you love (and need to do)!

WATCH: Expert tips for managing your knee osteoarthritis pain

Osteoarthritis Knee Pain: Do’s

1. Consider using a medical device to alleviate pain

There are many different devices that you can use to help treat knee osteoarthritis.

Proper footwear and orthotics will improve your foot and lower leg alignment. They can also reduce pressure and friction on the arthritic portions of your knee.

Sports medicine caters to the needs of active people. Devices such as knee braces can help unload high-pressure areas in the knee and provide some compression to an inflamed joint.

READ: What Kind of Osteoarthritis Brace Do I Need?

2. Incorporate stretching and strengthening into your workout routine

Strengthening programs can provide extra support by helping strengthen the muscles around the knee joint.

Whether you’re in a one-on-one setting or in a fitness class with modifications available for you, have someone certified in exercise prescription — such as a physiotherapist or kinesiologist — monitor your movements and your fitness plan.

Incorporating stretching into your day can help you maintain the range of motion of your joints and promote healthy muscle movement patterns. Make sure to stretch your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes!

READ MORE: Tips For Staying Active With Knee Osteoarthritis

3. Maintain a healthy weight

Did you know that every extra pound on your frame equates to four extra pounds on your knee?

To reduce the load on your knees, maintain a healthy weight through diet. As well, exercise while being monitored by your physician.

WATCH: The Do’s And Don’ts of Managing Knee OA (1:38)

4. Take care of the joint above and below your knee

Your foot, ankle and hip function play a significant role in the development and discomfort of knee osteoarthritis.

Underlying issues at these joints, such as a muscle weakness or imbalance, can negatively affect your knee.

Osteoarthritis Knee Pain: Dont’s

1. Don’t rule out alternative therapies

Be sure you discuss all your treatment options with your doctor. This can include massage, acupuncture, supplements, water therapy, muscle stimulation, or activities such as modified yoga.

By trying new forms of therapy, you can reduce the need for pain medications. In turn, this can help you maintain a positive outlook on your path to recovery.

2. Don’t ignore worsening or changing symptoms

If your knee pain is getting worse, or you are experiencing pain in another area of your body, speak with your doctor as soon as you can.

There are many treatment options available and managing your symptoms should be a priority for your overall health. When you manage your symptoms, it enables you to stay active.

This way, you can maintain your cardiovascular health and physical fitness.

Build a support team around you

Knee osteoarthritis can feel like a daunting diagnosis. So, it’s important to surround yourself with a supportive team that you trust and can depend on.

This may include a general physician, a rheumatologist, a pedorthist, a physiotherapist, a nurse practitioner, a naturopathic doctor, a psychologist, a massage therapist, or a kinesiologist.