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Suggest Treatment For Painful Swelling In The Knees

Posted on Tue, 6 Jun 2017

Question: I tore my gastrocnemius muscle on my right leg at the end of January 2017. It was a Level 2 tear. After about 4 or 5 weeks, I got swollen painful knees. My physical therapist said I had osteoarthritis (age related) I'm 72. I've always been physically fit and active, but this has really taken it out of me. The combination of pain and tiredness makes it difficult to perform normal daily activities. The pain wakes me up between 4:30 and 6:00 am every day.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Osteoarthritis, additional options

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease involving the articular cartilage. There are very few modalities that have actually shown reversal of the secondary remodeling and bone hypertrophy associated with osteoarthritis.

Substance P deplete, like capsaicin topically can help with the pain. Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate have some benefit to offer.
Posture correction, weight loss and muscle strengthening exercises as part of physiotherapy should also be applied. Intra articular steroids can be given as a last option before surgery.

If the above don't prove to be fruitful then joint replacement should be considered in consult with your doctor.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar