Easing knee arthritis without the knife INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis — affecting about 32.5 million Americans. It happens when cartilage that cushions bone wears out over time. It often affects the knees, causing pain and stiffness. However, there are some ways to ease the discomfort. Knee arthritis can make every step a struggle, and it can sideline anyone, not just the elderly. “Patients are getting younger because we’re simply more active. We’re beating up our joints more so we’re getting earlier arthritis,” said Richard Berger, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Repetitive stress, your genes and carrying around extra weight can all contribute to the condition. “As the population has gotten a little heavier, we’re seeing more and more knee arthritis,” explained Dr. Berger. Luckily, there are some ways to ease the pain and discomfort. In one large review of nearly 10,000 patients, researchers looked at 12 different non-drug therapies. They found that knee braces, hydrotherapy and exercise were the most effective for knee osteoarthritis. “Now we have people who want to be active, don’t want to take medications, and now have early arthritis,” said Dr. Berger. Another review of 200 studies showed that aerobic exercises like walking, cycling or swimming offer the best pain relief and mobility improvement. Korean researchers found that low-dose radiation therapy eased knee pain and improved movement in people with mild to moderate arthritis. If these less invasive approaches don’t work, surgery is a tried-and-true option. “Today’s people want to do more things. They don’t want to let their pain and disability slow them down,” said Dr. Berger. Surgery could include a simple procedure like cleaning out the joints or a more complex one like replacing the knee with artificial implant. Some other options for knee pain include massage, acupuncture, hot or cold therapy and stretching. It’s also a good idea to quit smoking. The toxins in cigarette smoke can damage connective tissues and worsen joint problems. ...read more read less