How to treat effusion in osteoarthritis?

Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

General treatment methods are mainly divided into two categories. First, conservative treatment, which is non-surgical and includes rest, immobilization, localized physical therapy such as heat application, acupuncture, etc. Physical therapy includes techniques like spectrum therapy, infrared, and diathermy. For some patients with mild osteoarthritis and minor effusions, these can gradually be absorbed over one to two weeks, and symptoms of pain and swelling can be alleviated. This can be combined with oral intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as celecoxib or ibuprofen. For patients with recurrent episodes, or those who are middle-aged and above with severe osteoarthritis and degeneration, and have substantial effusion, conservative treatments are generally not very effective. Therefore, we can try aspirating the effusion in the knee joint and appropriately administer intra-articular sodium hyaluronate injections to promote the recovery of osteoarthritis and delay the degeneration of bone proliferation. If conservative treatment still does not bring significant relief, then arthroscopic debridement and corresponding surgical treatments for the knee joint may be considered.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
39sec home-news-image

Difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have clear differences. Osteoarthritis refers to the rupture, loss, and fissuring of joint cartilage caused by degeneration in old age, which can lead to knee pain, and in severe cases, deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis, however, refers to the destruction of joint cartilage caused by rheumatism, which includes the proliferation of synovium, swelling, migratory pain, morning stiffness, among other symptoms. Diagnosis can be confirmed through laboratory tests, such as the rheumatoid factor test, making it quite easy to distinguish between the two.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
1min 23sec home-news-image

Differences between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly people, primarily due to long-term joint wear, leading to degeneration of the cartilage in the joints, causing symptoms of pain, swelling, and discomfort in movement. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis often begins in younger individuals and is linked to genetics and viral infections, primarily being an autoimmune disease. It is characterized by positive rheumatoid factor, including elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Additionally, the treatment methods for these two diseases are different. Osteoarthritis can mainly be managed with massage therapy, injections of sodium hyaluronate, and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, might require the use of immunosuppressants, steroids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain. Importantly, rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the small joints of the fingers, whereas osteoarthritis most frequently affects larger joints, such as the knee, highlighting the fundamental differences between the two conditions. (Note: The answers provided are for reference only. Medications should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician, and self-medication should be avoided.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
47sec home-news-image

Difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis

Osteoarthritis and arthritis are different. Firstly, osteoarthritis refers to degenerative changes in the joints, mainly caused by aging and chronic strain, leading to damage to the joint cartilage. This results in symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and limited mobility, which are characteristics of osteoarthritis. The scope of arthritis, however, is broader. Depending on the cause, arthritis can be divided into many types, including osteoarthritis, which is a type of arthritis. Other types include septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis. Therefore, there is a distinction between the two. Arthritis covers a wider range, while osteoarthritis is simply a type of arthritis that involves the bones.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
1min 20sec home-news-image

How to treat effusion in osteoarthritis?

General treatment methods are mainly divided into two categories. First, conservative treatment, which is non-surgical and includes rest, immobilization, localized physical therapy such as heat application, acupuncture, etc. Physical therapy includes techniques like spectrum therapy, infrared, and diathermy. For some patients with mild osteoarthritis and minor effusions, these can gradually be absorbed over one to two weeks, and symptoms of pain and swelling can be alleviated. This can be combined with oral intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as celecoxib or ibuprofen. For patients with recurrent episodes, or those who are middle-aged and above with severe osteoarthritis and degeneration, and have substantial effusion, conservative treatments are generally not very effective. Therefore, we can try aspirating the effusion in the knee joint and appropriately administer intra-articular sodium hyaluronate injections to promote the recovery of osteoarthritis and delay the degeneration of bone proliferation. If conservative treatment still does not bring significant relief, then arthroscopic debridement and corresponding surgical treatments for the knee joint may be considered.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
53sec home-news-image

Osteoarthritis physical therapy methods

In clinical practice, there are various physical therapy methods for osteoarthritis patients, such as actively engaging in acupuncture, massage, moxibustion, cupping, and other therapies, which can effectively promote local blood circulation, facilitate the absorption of inflammatory exudates, and effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis in patients, with very good results. In addition, for osteoarthritis patients, besides physical therapy, it is necessary to reduce physical activity, strictly observe rest and protection, avoid cold exposure and apply heat locally, or wash with hot water. Intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, and nutritional cartilage medications can be completely adequate. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)