The treatment of osteoarthritis should be approached as a program. Low doses may be just as effective with less toxicity. The dose for the knee is usually 20-40 mg of a triamcinolone preparation. I use such therapy sparingly and reserve it for flares, in anticipation of traveling, or to help a patient start an exercise program. Multiple studies have demonstrated the usefulness of exercise in reducing pain, improving stamina, and even reducing depression scores.
Most patients benefit from both an isometric program and an a nonimpact loading aerobic program.
I usually send the patient to see a therapist for 1 or 2 visits to learn these exercises. There are braces on the marked that attempt to reduce either varus or valgus angulation which helps to distribute weight more evenly over the knee. Tub tables, railings, elevated chairs may also be helpful for those with Knee OA who are not ready for or who are not candidates for joint replacement. Arthroscopy - Arthroscopy has been found useful for those OA patients with symptoms of locking, instability, swelling out of proportion to the amount of OA, or those with localized tenderness. These symptoms suggest loose bodies or degenerative meniscal tears.