Crepitus knee treatment is available and is a recommended option for those whom the popping is a constant problem. The knee is a very vulnerable joint, and always taking good care of it is encouraged. Most people experience crepitus knee but don’t always rush to treatment. That’s because the problem is sometimes a short lived one, and is usually mechanical in nature. This kind of popping is pain-free, and does not compromise normal knee movement at all.
But then there is the other kind of crepitus that is rather chronic in nature. It occurs in people who start showing early signs of degenerative joint disease. This kind of crepitus is more pronounced, with the grinding sounds being more obvious and a little painful as well. For this group of people, treatment is necessary to relieve the pain, and restore normal knee function.
There are different kinds of crepitus knee treatment options available. Any one of these is recommended based on things such as the severity of the cracking sounds, whether or not there’s inflammation and/or pain, and the range of motion that can be achieved with the joint. The methods of treatment can be classified into surgical and non-surgical options. Going into the OR is not given as an option until some of the non-invasive ones have been tried. One easy treatment method is weight loss. Being overweight increases the amount of work that the knee has to do. If one can shed the extra pounds and retain a normal BMI, the crepitus can subside as the knee is able to handle body weight better.
Exercise is also recommended, especially to those whose hamstrings are stronger than their quadriceps, as well as those who retain rather sedentary lives. Taking up hamstring stretches exercise, especially leg exercises, such as running or doing squats in the gym usually suffices to give the knee joint greater strength and endurance levels.
There are some crepitus knee pain medications that you can take when the knee crepitus comes with some noticeable inflammation and pains. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen have recorded past success in alleviating some of the symptoms of ailing knee joins. The drugs are only recommended when you don’t have any adverse side effects of using them.
As initially indicated, there are several surgical methods available for crepitus knee treatment. The surgeries are not done to correct the cracking per se, but rather, to correct the underlying condition so that there is no repeat of the crepitus. Most of the surgeries are aimed at smoothening of the articulation point of the knee bones so that there’s lesser friction during movement. Chondroplasty and abrasion anthroplasty are some of the common surgeries done.
There are various factors that are considered when crepitus knee treatment is being chosen. Your lifestyle, level of activity, and age are some of these. Your financial standing is also considered because the non-surgical methods are easier on the pocket, and could be just as effective at ridding the annoying popping sounds. Maintaining good health throughout will ensure that crepitus never becomes a problem you have to deal with.