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YOUR OSTEOARTHRITIS CARE GUIDE

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Your care guide's focus is on practical strategies to reduce pain, improve function, and promote joint recovery. Care strategies reviewed for clinical efficacy with ratings provided.  

TOP PRIORITIES

This care guide and related information is educational in nature. Always consult with a medical professional prior to initiating new exercises or trying a new product, drug, or supplement.

KNOW YOUR STRATEGY

Clinical Evidence: Strong
A key strategy to managing osteoarthritis (OA) is minimizing irritation to your knee - while also remaining as active as possible. It is critical you understand this fact. Too little movement weakens the knee, leading to more pain. Too much movement exacerbates the arthritis, also leading to more pain. You have to walk the line. Keep moving but take it easy with activities that exacerbate your pain. These will tend to be high-impact activities. Avoid periods of prolonged inactivity as much as possible. This will help keep the knee from stiffening up. A daily walking regimen is highly recommended. Cycling and swimming are particularly good activities due to their low-impact nature. Once again, the key is consistency and remaining as active as possible.

FIND YOUR EXERCISES

Clinical Evidence: Strong

Begin a targeted osteoarthritis exercise program. For best results, make sure you address both strength and flexibility. We have given you a head start with an exercise program at the bottom of this care guide. Perform your exercises at least two times a day when possible. You can cycle down as the pain diminishes. Please keep in mind, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition and will require long-term maintenance. This is about developing a simple set of exercises you can consistently maintain.

SOOTHE THE JOINT

Clinical Evidence: Strong

Hot packs tend to be more helpful than ice when addressing osteoarthritis pain. For this reason, we recommend trying heat first, but ice can work as well.

JOINT PAIN TOOLS

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When exploring joint care tools, we recommend trying one at a time. Prioritize based on your greatest concerns (instability, try a brace.) This will allow you to determine what provides the most relief for you.

SUPPORT THE KNEE

Clinical Evidence: Fair

The right knee brace can add support, reduce pain and help you remain active. Learn More and View Recommended Braces

RELAX THE MUSCLES

Clinical Evidence: Good

Percussive massage devices use rapid, repetitive strokes to target deep muscle tissue.  Learn More and View Recommended Devices

CONTROL THE PAIN

Clinical Evidence: Fair

TENS units are a drug-free, pain relief option. New models allow for easy home use. Learn More and and View Recommended Models.

REDUCE INFLAMMATION

Clinical Evidence: Strong

Medications to reduce pain and inflammation can be effective. We reviewed the evidence on both topical and oral options.  Learn More

WHAT TO EXPECT

A conservative strategy of exercise and activity modification should lead to noticeable improvement within a week. Other interventions, such as heat therapy, bracing, massage etc. often lead to more immediate relief. This will be highly variable between individuals. We do want to be clear: Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease you will need to manage daily, and some days will be more painful than others. Sometimes you will be able to identify the causes of a flare-up. Other times it will seem random. This can be frustrating, but a consistent joint maintenance program can maximize your function while minimizing the pain. SEVERE OSTEOARTHRITIS If the pain begins to severely limit your functional activities, this can also effect your mobility and general health. After all, movement is life! More invasive interventions such as joint replacement have come a very long way in recent years and are often life-changing in their ability to resolve pain and return function. Many individuals with crippling OA wait too long before speaking with an orthopedic about this option. Please keep this in mind.

THE NEXT LEVEL

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KNEE EVALUATION, DELIVERED TO YOU

We love this. An expert Physical Therapist will evaluate your knee in person, at home or work. Insurance accepted. Same cost as in a clinic, no prescription required. 

 

Confirm your condition. Get hands-on care. Review exercises. Learn More

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YOUR EXERCISES

Selected based on your condition match and care profile

Stretches

Hold for 45-60 seconds

1-2 repetitions per session

Perform on each side

Strengthening

10-15 repetitions per set

1 set per session

Perform on each side

 - Consult with a physician prior to trying new exercises -

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Physiobot.io does not offer medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Physiobot is not a replacement for a physical therapist or physician evaluation. Always consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your symptoms and/or prior to using any new product, drug, supplement, or new exercises. The statements and products referred to in this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. Use of this site is subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

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