What is knee osteoarthritis, does it need surgery, and what can you do if you want to avoid surgery?

Knee osteoarthritis usually affects people over 50. Common symptoms include noises in the knee, stiffness, tightness and pain when going up and down stairs, sitting with legs folded to the side or kneeling. People at risk of knee osteoarthritis include those who are overweight, older people, those with a family history of knee osteoarthritis and those who use their knees heavily, such as athletes whose sport involves jumping, impacts or twisting the knee, or marathon runners who use their knees continuously for long periods.

Knee osteoarthritis has several stages. If it is detected at an early stage, it can be treated without surgery. A specialist doctor can diagnose it using ultrasound. If it is still at an early stage, injections of artificial joint fluid (Hyaluronic Acid) can reduce pain and stiffness, improve movement and delay knee replacement surgery. On average about 3 injections are needed, given 1 week apart. It is not as frightening as you might think and is no different from an ordinary injection. There may be some swelling and redness, which goes away on its own with a cold compress. The drug has no harmful side effects, and its effect lasts about 6 months to 1 year, depending on how each person looks after their knees and the severity of their condition. Injections can be repeated as indicated by the specialist doctor.

A report from Mahidol University states that there are currently more than 6 million people with knee osteoarthritis in Thailand and the number is likely to increase, with up to 50% of people over 65 affected. So if you or someone you love has knee pain or sore knees, with pain when getting up, sitting, standing or walking, and does not want surgery, we recommend consulting a specialist doctor, who can use state-of-the-art technology to examine the condition thoroughly and accurately. If the condition is found to be at an early stage, it can be treated without surgery. When you decide to see a doctor is therefore a key factor in whether you will need surgery. Now that you know this, if someone you love has these symptoms, don't wait until it gets worse: encourage them to see a doctor promptly.

At REHAB CARE CLINIC we have rehabilitation medicine specialists and a team of physical therapists ready to treat knee osteoarthritis specifically. Planning and coordinating as a team can speed up your recovery and reduce pain immediately and effectively. We are currently offering a promotional course of artificial joint fluid injections at 9,900 baht for 3 injections. If you have any questions about knee osteoarthritis, please contact REHAB CARE CLINIC first on 061-801-2482