The course of OA is slow and irreversible, but in most cases, symptoms can be controlled with aspirin. Another treatment still under investigation involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint cavity. Hyaluronic acid is a natural polysaccharide and lubricates and cushions the joint. The acid's elastic nature enables it to bounce back to its original shape after being compressed. Hence, it protects the joint surface from further erosion.
Athletes are the most common people to visit a doctor with some sort of knee problem.
Runners, football players, baseball players, dancers, gymnasts, and marching band participants acquire knee injuries. The most common problems that plague athletes are torn meniscuses and tendinitis. This does not mean that the meniscus is a cushion for pain. The tearing of the meniscus can cause swelling and joint stiffness, leaving the let unable to straighten. The meniscus can either be repaired or replaced and may require an undetermined amount of time on crutches with physical therapy sessions.