Degenerative knee problems are also called osteoarthritis (OA) and degenerative joint disease (DJD). It may start with stiffness and swelling of the joint but may eventually develop into severe deformity of the joint so that even walking becomes an ordeal.
There are several ways to treat DJD depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the condition. You can check on the following case studies so you will be able to make the right choice for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Case I: Beth's Story
Beth was only 42 when she twisted her right knee. It had swollen and she then felt excruciating pain. As a first aid measure, she used an ice pack to alleviate the pain but it continued to get worse. She decided to see the doctor and was diagnosed to have osteoarthritis. The doctor then recommended that she wear knee braces for added support.
Beth sought a second opinion and the doctor advised her to undergo knee surgery which involved complete knee replacement. She did not have any medical insurance that would cover the cost of the operation. Furthermore, there was still no guarantee that surgery could help the knee become fully functional again and the doctor could not assure her as well that she will be free from pain.
In the end, Beth opted to take the advice of the first doctor, and it turned out that she made the right choice. The knee braces provided comfort and support to her knees. Today Beth is able to do her daily activities.
Case II: Dave's Story
Dave is a softball player all his life. He was 53 when he developed pain in both knees but he noticed that the right knee was worse. He was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and he opted to get surgery.
Dave had full right knee replacement, undergone rehabilitation, and was subsequently off from work for nearly a year. The right knee did work well but the left knee occasionally gave him discomfort. Instead of opting for another surgery, he treated it conservatively and used knee braces. He also performed some of the exercises he had learned from the rehab. Today, Dave walks with ease and still uses the knee brace on his left knee. He does not recommend surgery to anyone.
It is always best fit to opt for conservative treatment methods that can help ease out the discomforts of degenerative knee problems without any adverse effect. Based on the two cases, conservative methods of treatment, combined with knee braces, are extremely effective.
It is important, however, to seek for professional help if you think you may have osteoarthritis or if you experience severe pain in your knees. This article is for health information and should not be seen as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional.
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