Treatment Methods for Knee Osteoarthritis - A Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction And objective:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It is associated with pain and a reduced range of joint motion. As this condition affects an increasing number of patients, effective treatment strategies are needed.

The aim of the study:

This article focuses on presenting the therapeutic methods for knee osteoarthritis. Its aim is to highlight their indications, mechanisms of action and effectiveness.

Material and methods:

The PubMed database was used to gather information on knee osteoarthritis and its treatment methods. The review primarily focused on systematic reviews, meta-analyses and studies. The most commonly used search terms were 'knee osteoarthritis' and 'knee osteoarthritis treatment'."

Summary of current knowledge:

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s expectations, and their level of engagement. A wide range of therapeutic options for KOA is available - starting from conservative methods such as physiotherapy, through intra-articular injections and ending with surgical interventions. Many of these techniques can and should be used simultaneously to achieve the most beneficial outcome.

Conclusions: 

Multidisciplinary approach combining various therapeutic methods involving specialists from different fields is often needed to achieve effective treatment. Currently, significant emphasis is being placed on research into cartilage regenerative therapies, which are seen as a promising direction for the future.