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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – I have seen patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) whose lives have been severely limited by the condition. Whether it’s a woman who can’t walk up a flight of stairs, or a new retiree who can’t enjoy taking a walk with their spouse or spending a day on the golf course, the goal of treatment is to reduce pain, control swelling and maintain or improve mobility of the knee.
The risk of disability caused by knee OA is as great as that from cardiovascular disease. Yet, approximately 58 percent of patients experience knee pain for more than a year before being properly diagnosed. One thing I emphasize to my patients time and again, is that being open with me makes treatment not only more effective, but more efficient.
Here are a few of my suggestions to ensure you get the most out of your medical visit and are getting the best care possible.
Be ready to describe your pain. Knee OA is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and the physical signs that your doctor finds during examination. Having details such as when and how the pain or other symptoms began and where you are feeling them will help your physician diagnose.
Talk about function. Joint pain is the primary symptom of knee OA, but the disease can also affect your mood, sleep patterns, weight, and ability to perform daily tasks. Too often, patients withhold critical information because the truth is embarrassing. It is important that you are always honest and forthright, giving your physician background into the larger impact on your life.
Ask about the activities you can do. Many of you automatically assume that you can no longer participate in favorite activities because of knee pain. However, favorite pastimes, including exercise, may actually improve function and even reduce pain levels if you stick with it.
Review your prescriptions and treatment plan. Various treatments for knee OA do exist, such as prescription oral and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You should work with your physician to identify the best treatment regime for you. If you are 65 years or older, your physician may recommend some of the newer alternatives including a topical diclofenac treatment in a solution, gel or patch to help decrease the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
The bottom line is you should never leave your doctor’s office not knowing or understanding the status of your health.
Dr. Joseph Markenson is an attending physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Editor’s note: The author acknowledges receiving honoraria from Covidien, the supplier of PENNSAID® (diclofenac sodium topical solution) 1.5% w/w, as a consultant and speaker.
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