Alternative therapies are mainly aimed at pain relief. According to studies, self-therapy by the patient is the most important success factor. Low-impact movements, such as cycling or swimming, can often alleviate the symptoms. Painful overloading should be avoided. Regular stretching exercises and good muscular joint control can also be helpful. Body weight also plays an important role: a reduction in weight relieves the knee considerably.

Medication and painkillers

If pain reduction is insufficient, medication and dietary supplements may be an option. Chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine, turmeric and omega-3 are considered to be cartilage-protective and anti-inflammatory. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac are also effective, but should only be used when necessary and for a short time. Regular use should be discussed with your doctor.

Infiltration therapy and autologous blood

In cases of acute inflammatory pain, infiltration therapy of the knee joint is possible. Depending on the severity of the cartilage wear, hyaluronic acid can be helpful to improve the elasticity of the remaining cartilage. A cortisone preparation is usually used to reduce inflammation, but this should not be repeated too often (maximum three times a year). After a cortisone injection, major surgery on the joint should be avoided for three months in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Autologous blood therapy (PRP injections) can be helpful if osteoarthritis is still moderately severe. According to studies, it has a longer and better effect than cortisone or hyaluronic acid. In this type of treatment, the anti-inflammatory blood plasma is isolated from your blood and injected into the knee.

Cartilage transplantation and arthroscopy

Treatments such as cartilage transplants or arthroplasty are usually only suitable for minor, accident-related damage in young patients. Knee joint endoscopy (arthroscopy) for cartilage smoothing only makes sense in the case of mechanical blockages. However, such procedures can activate osteoarthritis and increase pain.

Aids and bandages

Insoles to adjust the load on the knee joint are a useful addition. They are less effective with bow legs than with knock-knees, especially with bow-legged flat feet. Special, redressing knee braces can be considered for bow legs, but these are often uncomfortable and are more suitable for special situations such as sporting activities. Splints are particularly helpful for osteoarthritis in the early stages, when surgery is not yet advisable.

If the symptoms are not alleviated despite the above-mentioned measures, or if there is a significant restriction in mobility and quality of life, surgical treatment should be considered.

In the case of advanced osteoarthritis, artificial joint replacement is the treatment of choice – i.e. a knee prosthesis. The most important criteria are not the X-ray image or the severity of the osteoarthritis, but your symptoms, pain and limitations. Accordingly, your personal feelings are an important factor in determining the “right” time for surgery.

Indications for the decision to perform knee surgery are, if they are

• Being able to walk for less than 1 hour without pain
• Your quality of life and activity is significantly restricted
• Have pain at rest and at night
• need pain medication more frequently

The decision for an operation is made in a personal consultation with us, whereby we act as consultants.