Treatment
Treatment Options
Although osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is not curable, there are many treatment options available that can help you reduce pain and maintain an active lifestyle. OA is usually managed with a combination of approaches, including medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. Click on each of the topics below to learn more.
Oral and topical medications
Medications that can help treat the pain of OA of the knee include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as:
- Aspirin
- Acetaminophen)
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Topical pain relievers (creams, rubs, sprays)
- Prescription pain medications, such as:
- Celecoxib
- Mild narcotic pain relievers (usually for short-term use only, as they may be addictive)
Injections
There are two types of injections commonly used in the treatment of OA knee pain:
- Corticosteroid injections: Anti-inflammatory hormones that can decrease pain
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections (such as Euflexxa): Injections of HA similar to the natural HA found in the fluid that surrounds a healthy knee
Lifestyle changes
There are changes you can make to your lifestyle that may help with the management of OA of the knee:
- Exercise/physical therapy: Your doctor can help you design an exercise plan that is right for you or recommend a physical therapist. For more information on exercise click here.
- Weight loss (if you are overweight). For more information on nutrition and weight loss click here.
- Physical therapy
Surgery
Surgery may also be an option in treating OA of the knee. A surgeon can remove loose bone and cartilage, and reposition or smooth out bones. In addition, a surgeon can perform a total or partial knee replacement, in which all or some of a joint is replaced with an artificial one.
The best thing to do is to talk with your doctor. Together, you will be able to work out a plan that can help you manage the symptoms of OA of the knee.
Doctors who treat OA of the knee
If you suspect that you have OA of the knee, you will probably see your primary care doctor first. He or she may then refer you to a specialist. Specialists who have expertise in OA include:
- Orthopedic surgeons (or orthopedists): Surgeons who are experts in bones and the skeletal system
- Rheumatologists: Doctors who specialize in treating disorders of the muscles and skeleton, as well as the immune system
- Physical therapists: Healthcare providers with special training in exercise and therapy for people with conditions that limit their mobility
- Sports medicine physicians: Doctors who, like orthopedic surgeons, are experts in bones, muscles, and the skeletal system, but who focus on nonsurgical treatment
- Podiatrists: Doctors who specialize in treating problems of the foot, ankle, and lower leg
EUFLEXXA (1% sodium hyaluronate) is used to relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis. It is used in people who do not get enough relief from simple pain medications such as acetaminophen or from exercise and physical therapy.
Important Safety Information
You should not receive this product if you have had any previous allergic reaction to EUFLEXXA or hyaluronan products. You should not have an injection into the knee if you have a knee joint infection or if you have skin disease or infection around the injection site.
EUFLEXXA is only for injection into the knee performed by a qualified doctor. After you receive this injection you may need to avoid activities such as jogging, tennis, heavy lifting, or standing on your feet for a long time (more than one hour). The safety and effectiveness of repeat treatment cycles of EUFLEXXA have not been established. The safety and effectiveness of EUFLEXXA have not been shown in people under 18 years of age.
Side effects sometimes seen when EUFLEXXA is injected into the knee joint were pain, swelling, skin irritation, and tenderness and these were generally mild and did not last long.
Please see Full Prescribing Information.
Please see Important Information for Patients.
Patient Treatment Information
PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR, OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ANY PRODUCT DISCUSSED WITHIN THIS WEB SITE.
This website is intended only for US residents.
Euflexxa® is a registered trademark of Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Diagnosis
