4 ways to help control and prevent disease progression

Arthritis is divided into 4 stages. Specifically, in stage 1, the articular cartilage begins to change and soften. In stage 2, the cartilage will be lost 25 to 50%, and in stage 3, it will be lost 51 to 75%. By stage 4, the cartilage is almost completely lost. The patient will suffer severe pain due to the ends of the bones rubbing against each other because there is no longer cartilage in the middle, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Experts say the only way to treat stage 4 knee arthritis is joint replacement surgery. However, if the arthritis is only in stages 1 to 3, some methods can help slow or stop the progression of the disease. These methods include:

Weight control

Losing weight can help overweight and obese people significantly reduce the pressure on the knee joints, thereby helping to reduce pain. To lose weight effectively, you need to combine diet and exercise.

Do exercise

Low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling and walking help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, supporting the joint and reducing stiffness. Strength training exercises that target the thigh muscles will strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, thereby effectively reducing stress on the joint.

Physical therapy

A physical therapist will instruct the patient in exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility and reduce knee pain.

Medicine

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can help control pain and inflammation. However, these medications are only a temporary solution because they do not cure knee arthritis. Taking them long term can cause side effects.

Alternatively, your doctor may inject corticosteroids directly into your knee joint to reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain. This is a better and safer option than taking painkillers every day. However, the medication only reduces pain and does not change the condition of the joint. Another option is to inject hyaluronic acid, which can also lubricate the knee joint, improve movement, and reduce pain, according to Medical News Today.