Physical Therapy As Effective As Surgery for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the United States, experienced by 27 million Americans, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Oftentimes, physicians offer individuals suffering from osteoarthritis surgery as treatment; however, a new study shows physical therapy, a natural form of pain relief, may be just as effective for relieving osteoarthritis pain and stiffness as surgery.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, occurs when the cartilage surrounding joints and synovial fluid decreases. Cartilage acts as a cushion for joints so that when it starts to wear away, inflammation and pain are experienced.
The major symptom of OA is pain, which is typically described as a burning sensation or a sharp ache, according to Wikipedia. Other symptoms of OA include joint stiffness, muscle spasms, and some individuals may hear a cracking sound in his or her joints when one moves, which is called crepitus.
There is currently no cure for OA; however, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are often used in the medical treatment of this condition. Other treatments include weight reduction and maintenance, local injections with hyaluronan or glucocorticoid, and surgery.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery can be performed to either examine or repair a joint. It is often used to trim damaged cartilage, treat torn floating cartilage, ACL reconstruction, and repair torn surface cartilage.
In this type of surgery, a small endoscope is inserted into a joint through a small incision and the examination or repairs are completed.
Physical Therapy Just As Effective As Arthroscopic Surgery for Knee OA
A new study conducted by the American Physical Therapy Association discovered moderate to severe stiffness and pain from OA were relieved just as effectively with physical therapy in combination with medical care as symptoms were with arthroscopic surgery. The President of the American Physical Therapy Association, R. Scott Ward, PT, Ph.D., encourages more physicians and orthopedists to utilize physical therapy for their OA patients rather than surgery, given these findings.
Surgery can often lead to more pain in the short-term, and occasionally leads to chronic pain as well. Additionally, recovery from surgery takes time and can be rather difficult, especially for individuals who might already be suffering from other health conditions.
Physical therapists utilize stretching and exercise routines to help patients overcome acute or chronic pain. Following a regular exercise routine has also been shown to help individuals with arthritis.
Perhaps future research can replicate and further support the notion that physical therapy is just as effective as arthroscopic surgery in relieving the stiffness and pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Sources:
American Physical Therapy Association: New Research Shows Physical Therapy As Effective As Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Arthritis Foundation: Home
Wikipedia: Osteoarthritis
Wikipedia: Arthroscopic Surgery
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