Many people resort to using painkillers to treat knee roughness, and despite their role in relieving pain, taking them excessively without visiting a doctor may exacerbate the problem and lead to complications that make them an ineffective option. Treatment usually depends on knowing the degree of roughness, so let us learn through this article the most important natural and medicinal treatments used.

What are the degrees of knee roughness?

تعد خشونة الركبة واحدة من أكثر المشكلات شيوعًا التي تتطلب تدخلًا قبل حدوث مضاعفات، ويعتمد علاجها على درجتها، وتتضمن ما يلي:

• The first stage of knee osteoarthritisThe first stage of knee osteoarthritis is characterized by the growth of slight bony protrusions and the loss of cartilage with no significant effect on the joint space. 
• The second stage of knee osteoarthritisBone prominences grow, making them visible on X-rays.
  A person may begin to notice pain or stiffness in the joints, especially when performing daily activities for long periods, in addition to pain while sitting or bending.
• The third stage of knee osteoarthritisThis stage is characterized by an increase in the severity of the pain and the frequency of feeling it, especially while running or walking, in addition to bending and lying on the back. This pain usually appears clearly after long periods of rest the next morning.
  The effects of this stage are reflected in the shape of the cartilage between the bones, as they erode and become narrower, in addition to noticing some changes when taking x-rays, including: increased growth of bone spurs, damage to the cartilage and tissues surrounding the joints, in addition to the possibility of deformity at the ends of the bones, especially where the two bones meet.
  Swelling and fluid accumulation around the affected joint may be observed, in addition to joint inflammation and difficulty completing normal daily tasks. 
• The fourth stage of knee osteoarthritisThis stage is the last and most dangerous stage of knee osteoarthritis, and is characterized by a clear loss of all of the cartilage in the affected joints, thus resulting in severe pain, in addition to joint stiffness and difficulty in movement.

You can also learn about: Causes of knee pain and how can it be treated?

What are the methods of treating knee roughness?

Treatment varies based on the degrees and stages of knee osteoarthritis. The treatment program includes the following: 

What is the natural treatment for knee roughness?

There is a group of behavioral and non-pharmacological treatments that are recommended, especially in the early stages, and they include: 

• Use cold or warm compresses to reduce inflammation and swelling, and increase blood flow to the affected area to increase the speed of its healing. 
• Losing excess weight, to ensure that the load on the knees and joints of the body in general is reduced.
• Exercising regularly and in a correct manner: There is no doubt that exercising is one of the habits that contribute to improving a person’s general health and reducing the risk of disease. However, in cases of osteoarthritis, it helps strengthen the body’s muscles and thus reduces pressure on the joints, in addition to its ability to increase the blood supply to the extremities, which speeds up the recovery rate. 
• Undergoing physical therapy: In the minds of many people, physical therapy is associated with rehabilitation after operations or injuries, but this role is part of it, so it is usually recommended to follow up with a physical therapist to properly strengthen the body’s muscles and improve the movement of the body’s joints.
• Use topical creams or patches that contain menthol, camphor, or chili pepper: These products are characterized by their ability to increase the blood supply to the affected area and accelerate its healing rate.

The previous methods are an effective option in the early stages of knee osteoarthritis, which quickly responds to natural methods, without the need for advanced medical interventions.

Book your consultation now Orthopedic center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital 

What are the medications to treat knee osteoarthritis?

There is no doubt that drug treatment is one of the pillars of the treatment program for knee osteoarthritis, which is usually an effective option in the intermediate stages, and it is also a means of assistance in advanced cases. Among the best medications used, and available options, are the following:

• المسكناتAnalgesics are one of the methods used to relieve joint pain associated with knee osteoarthritis, the most prominent of which are NSAIDs of all kinds. 
• CorticosteroidsIt is used in advanced cases to relieve pain until the appropriate treatment is determined. 
• Long-acting injectionsThere is a group of long-acting steroid analgesics, which are given a limited number of times a year to ensure pain relief and completely disappear the feeling of it. 
• Oil injections: It aims to increase the amount of oily substance between the joints, which ensures ease of movement and less friction, including injections of hyaluronic acid. 

Read also: What are the most dangerous types of bones? 

What types of surgeries are used to treat knee osteoarthritis?

The surgical option is the last resort if all previous treatments fail to treat the problem. It is usually an effective option in the advanced stages of knee osteoarthritis, and includes the following:

• Knee arthroscopy: It aims to remove bone spurs, to relieve pain and prevent the problem from getting worse.
• ChondrectomyAnd grafting it: This procedure aims to get rid of the eroded cartilage by removing it, using healthy cartilage to fill the affected area.
• Knee joint replacementIt is one of the effective methods of treatment in the event of damage to the entire joint, or in the event of a fracture or any other injury. 

What is the treatment of knee roughness with oils?

Using a group of natural oils may help relieve knee osteoarthritis pain, including: 

• Eucalyptus oil: It contributes to relieving joint pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.
• Ginger oil: It helps to get rid of joint stiffness, tendonitis, and bone inflammation.
• Lavender oilIt contains anti-inflammatory substances and reduces stress and anxiety.
• Lemon oil: It is used to reduce inflammation and swelling. 

Learn about: Causes of sudden knee pain

What exercises strengthen the knee muscles?

A group of exercises is used to treat knee osteoarthritis and strengthen the body’s muscles to reduce the load on the joints, including: 

• Strengthening exercises: It is used to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, so that they are able to bear large weights and reduce pressure on the body’s joints.
• Movement exercises: It is used to increase the flexibility of joints and improve their movement in different directions.
• Aerobic exercisesThese exercises increase the rate of fat burning, and they also stimulate the production of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers.

In conclusion, after we learned about the types of treatment for knee osteoarthritis that are used based on the degree of osteoarthritis and the size of the problem, we advise you to perform a periodic examination once every 6 months to conduct early detection and ensure that serious complications do not occur. We also recommend that you follow a healthy lifestyle and avoid being overweight or obese, to reduce the load on the joints and cartilage of the body, which may cause knee osteoarthritis. 

Frequently asked questions 

Can knee osteoarthritis be completely cured?

Knee roughness cannot be completely cured, as it is a chronic degenerative condition resulting from the erosion of the cartilage covering the knee joint. However, the symptoms can be effectively controlled to reduce pain, improve movement, and improve the quality of life through early treatment. This includes changing lifestyle, practicing appropriate exercise, losing weight, and using medications and local injections. In advanced cases, surgery such as knee joint replacement is resorted to, and the earlier treatment begins, the greater the chance of controlling roughness and delaying its development.

What is the prohibited food for knee roughness?

When suffering from knee osteoarthritis, it is important to avoid foods that promote inflammation and that increase joint deterioration, such as foods rich in saturated and trans fats, which are found in fast food, fried foods, and industrial baked goods, in addition to refined sugars and soft drinks that contribute to weight gain and pressure on the joints. It is preferable to eat red meat and processed meat, because of their inflammatory effect. Excess salt must also be reduced because it causes fluid retention and swelling in the joints. Focus should be on an anti-inflammatory diet that includes vegetables.

Is walking useful for treating knee osteoarthritis?

Yes, walking is useful for treating knee osteoarthritis, provided that walking is practiced moderately and in the correct manner. It helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, improves blood circulation, and reduces stiffness, which contributes to alleviating pain and improving movement. Walking long distances or on hard surfaces should be avoided to avoid increasing pressure on the joint, and it is best to wear comfortable and appropriate shoes. A doctor or physical therapist should also be consulted to determine the appropriate program for the patient’s condition and avoid any additional damage.

What is the best nutritional supplement for knee roughness?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are considered among the best nutritional supplements used in cases of osteoarthritis of the knee. They have a major role in supporting cartilage health, reducing inflammation, and gradually relieving pain, in addition to calcium and vitamin D, to support bone health. Curcumin also has natural anti-inflammatory properties, but the effectiveness of these supplements varies from one person to another, and it is best to consult a doctor before starting to use any of them, in order to ensure that they are suitable for your health condition and to avoid interference with any other medications.

Sources and references

National Health Service – nhs

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – orthoinfo