Arthritis knee pain can be severe, overwhelming, and very difficult to deal with. We use our knees for so much whether it is walking, climbing stairs, or bending down to pick up items from the floor or ground. Learning how to manage and treat yours can be worthwhile and having a number of treatment options can make you feel in control of the situation.

The knee is made up of three bones. It is located where the bottom of the femur and the top of the tibia meet. It is protected in the front by a bone known as the patella, or kneecap. There are a number of tendons and ligaments which hold the bones in the proper alignment and allow the bones to hinge properly. There is also cartilage which is located on the bones and under the kneecap that cushions the joint and prevents damage to the leg bones. A tissue pad called the meniscus also helps cushion the joint.

There are two main types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is more common in older people. This is because over time, repeated use of the joint can cause cartilage to wear away. The ends of the bones can become jagged and uneven, increasing pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the meniscus and the cartilage to become inflamed and this leads to pain and stiffness.

One of the best ways to treat arthritic knee pain is through the use of anti-inflammatories. NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and they include naproxyn, aspirin and ibuprofen. They treat the pain and inflammation, but not the underlying cause. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers may require DMARDs, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs to treat the disease and keep joint damage from getting worse. These include methotrexate, azathioprine and others. They are serious medications that may have significant side effects and should be used carefully.

You may find that if your knees are the only joints affected, the pain may be a result of a knee injury that was improperly diagnosed or treated. If you speak with your doctor, they can perform tests such as x-rays in order to check the state of the knee. If damaged cartilage is suspected, the doctor may perform a scope to check the cartilage in the knees. It can be repaired or removed if it is damaged. You want to make sure that full joint replacement is a treatment of last resort because of the length of time it takes to recover.

Creams and lotions are also good ways to treat knee pain. There are creams and wraps which can heat a joint and ease symptoms. There are also creams which ease knee pain without heating the joint and this can be a great choice if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise can help you maintain joint function but you need to make sure you are on an exercise routine which does not stress or damage the joints further.

Treating arthritic knee pain does not have to be difficult but it may take trying several products before you find the ones which work best for you. Talking to a doctor or pharmacist can be a great first step to getting you on the road to recovery.

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