How Long Can You Go With Bone-on-Bone Knee Pain?
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing chronic pain and inflammation in various joints throughout the body. The knees are often affected, with cartilage wear leading to “bone-on-bone” knee pain, causing significant discomfort and mobility issues.
But what exactly does this mean, and how long can you go with bone-on-bone knee pain before seeking treatment? Let’s delve deeper into the causes, symptoms, impact on daily life, and treatment options for managing this debilitating condition.
Understanding Bone-on-Bone Knee Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Before discussing the severity and impact of bone-on-bone knee pain, it’s important to understand its underlying causes and symptoms. Arthritis is the main culprit behind this condition, with osteoarthritis being the most common form affecting the knee joints.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time, causing the bones to rub against each other. This friction results in pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Symptoms of bone-on-bone knee pain include dull, aching discomfort that worsens with activity, stiffness after rest periods, swelling, and a grating or popping sensation when moving the knee.
Bone-on-bone knee pain can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Constant discomfort and limited motion can reduce physical activity, causing weight gain and potentially contributing to depression in some cases. Simple tasks like walking upstairs or standing up can become painful and difficult for those suffering from this condition.
The progression of bone-on-bone knee pain can eventually result in bone spurs, cysts, and deformities in the knee joint. These structural changes can further exacerbate the pain and immobility experienced by individuals, making it crucial to seek timely medical intervention and appropriate treatment options.
The Impact of Bone on Bone Knee Pain on Daily Life
Living with bone-on-bone knee pain can really make daily life challenging. It often makes simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing up painful. The constant pain and restricted mobility can lead to decreased physical activity, resulting in a sedentary lifestyle and further health complications.
Bone-on-bone knee pain limits activity, leading to a decline in both physical and mental health over time. Depression, weight gain, and weakened muscles are common consequences of reduced activity levels.
Individuals experiencing bone-on-bone knee pain may find it challenging to engage in social activities or hobbies they once enjoyed. The pain and discomfort can limit their ability to participate in gatherings, sports, or recreational pursuits, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration. This social withdrawal can profoundly impact one’s quality of life and relationships.
Moreover, the financial burden of managing bone-on-bone knee pain should not be overlooked. Costs associated with medical treatments, physical therapy, assistive devices, and potential surgeries can add up quickly. For individuals without adequate health insurance coverage, the expenses related to managing chronic knee pain can be overwhelming, further exacerbating stress and anxiety.
Treatment Options: Managing Bone on Bone Knee Pain
Dealing with bone-on-bone knee pain can be an unsettling and distressing experience. While surgical intervention, such as knee replacement, may be necessary for severe cases, there are several non-surgical treatment options available that can help manage the condition and provide relief from the associated pain.
One non-surgical treatment option that has shown promising results is viscosupplementation. This procedure involves injecting a gel-like substance into the knee joint to lubricate and cushion the bones.
By doing so, viscosupplementation can reduce pain and improve mobility for some individuals. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of this treatment may vary from person to person, but we’ve helped more than 50,000 people find pain relief through this therapy at our medical practices.
Minimally Invasive and Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Another minimally invasive procedure that has gained attention in recent years is genicular artery embolization (GAE). This procedure involves blocking the blood supply to the knee joint, which in turn reduces inflammation and pain caused by bone-on-bone knee pain. GAE has shown promising results in providing relief for individuals who are unsuitable for surgery or prefer a non-surgical approach.
In addition to these procedures, platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) has emerged as a potential treatment option. PRP involves injecting concentrated platelets derived from your own blood into the knee joint.
These platelets stimulate the body’s natural healing process, promoting tissue regeneration and reducing pain and inflammation. More research is needed, but PRP has shown promise in relieving bone-on-bone knee pain for some individuals.
For individuals who prefer noninvasive options, an unloader knee brace can be a valuable tool in managing bone-on-bone knee pain. This specialized brace is designed to shift the weight away from the affected part of the knee, providing support and reducing pain during activities.
Some individuals find relief from bone-on-bone knee pain by taking certain supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These supplements are believed to help improve joint function and reduce discomfort.
Each person’s experience with bone-on-bone knee pain is unique, and treatments that work for one may not work for another. We recommend consulting a healthcare professional to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Signs of Arthritis in the Knees
In addition to understanding bone-on-bone knee pain, it’s important to know the early signs of arthritis in the knees to seek timely treatment. These signs include:
- Joint stiffness
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling in the knee
- Reduced range of motion and difficulty moving the knee
- A clicking or cracking sound during movement
- Feeling warmth or redness around the knee
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
If you’re struggling with bone-on-bone knee pain and seeking relief, Arthritis Knee Pain Centers offers effective, non-surgical treatment. With over 60,000 patients experiencing relief, our treatment enhances mobility, reduces pain, delays surgery, and decreases pain medication reliance.
Our expert physicians utilize FDA-approved viscosupplementation gel injections, guided by advanced digital imaging, to provide effective treatment. Don’t let knee pain control your life any longer. Schedule Your No Charge Screening today and take the first step towards regaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle with the Arthritis Knee Pain Centers.