Questions to Ask Your Doctor: Treating the Knee

There is no cure for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, but a variety of strategies can help reduce risk, slow damage and manage symptoms. Options range from staying active to total knee replacement surgery.Before considering surgery, you'll need to meet with your doctor to explore all of these options.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, but a variety of strategies can help reduce risk, slow damage and manage symptoms. Options range from staying active to total knee replacement surgery.Before considering surgery, you'll need to meet with your doctor to explore all of these options. 

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 90% of knee replacement patients experience a significant reduction in pain.

AAOS notes that more than 90 percent of replacement knees are still effective after 15 years. According to research published in 2019, 82 percent of total knee replacements from credible sources are still effective after 25 years.

For most people, a successful knee replacement typically results in a higher quality of life, less pain and better mobility.

At one year, many report significant improvements in

pain

stiffness

physical function

Vitality

Social function

Keep this list of questions handy to prepare for your appointment.

 Knee Joint Prosthesis

What to tell your doctor

To help your doctor understand your needs, be prepared to explain the following.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how severe is your pain and stiffness?

Can you walk with your knees bent without help?

Does OA affect your quality of life?

Do you exercise?

Are you missing out on activities you enjoy?

Does OA affect your work?

Have you been treated for OA in the knee before?

Have you ever had a knee injury?

Do you take any prescription drugs, dietary supplements, or over-the-counter (OTC) medications?

How long have you been taking them and at what dose?

Do you have any allergies or other medical conditions?

You will be more likely to remember all of these points if you have a good list before your visit.

After informing your doctor about how you feel and how your knee pain is affecting your life, you may want to ask the following questions.

How can I reduce the pressure on my knee?

You may eventually opt for surgery, but in the meantime, some lifestyle changes can help improve symptoms.

Do I need to lose weight?

Your knees must support the weight of your body, and the extra weight creates additional stress. Expert trusted sources recommend weight loss as a way to reduce OA symptoms in overweight or obese people.

If you are overweight or obese, your doctor will provide you with some advice on how to lose or control your weight in a healthy way and how much weight you should lose. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight after surgery.

 Knee Joint Prosthesis

Do I need to exercise?

Knee pain and stiffness can make exercise daunting, but it is still vital to your joint and overall health. Studies have shown that walking, biking, strength training and neuromuscular training can help. Experts also recommend tai chi and yoga.

A doctor or physical therapist can suggest exercises that help improve flexibility and increase range of motion. If you exercise your leg muscles, they will help support your knees. A physical therapist may design a program for your specific needs.

Talk with your doctor about your lifestyle and daily activities and ask what else you can do to avoid putting stress on your knee.If you are having surgery, it may be beneficial to strengthen your knee muscles beforehand. Get some helpful exercise tips.

Should I use an assistive device?

Some assistive devices may help relieve OA knee pain, but buying the wrong product or using it incorrectly may cause more damage.

Your doctor may recommend or prescribe.

Knee pads

kineseo tape, a support dressing for maximum flexibility

Cane or walker