What Treatment Is Recommended for Osteoarthritis in Both Knees in a 71-Year-Old?

Hello,

At 71 years of age, having osteoarthritis in both knees along with moderate hypertension can make walking and daily activities difficult. The good news is that knee arthritis can often be managed with the right combination of exercise, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes and pain treatment. The treatment should be planned according to the severity of the knee damage and overall health.

What Treatment Is Usually Recommended?

An orthopaedic doctor should assess both knees and review the X-rays before deciding the treatment.

Treatment include :

• Physiotherapy to improve knee strength and movement.

• Pain-relief treatment prescribed according to his age and blood pressure.

• A walking stick or other support if walking is difficult.

• A knee brace in selected cases.

• A steroid injection may provide short-term pain relief when appropriate.

• If arthritis is severe and pain continues despite non-surgical treatment, knee replacement be considered.

Because he has hypertension, he should not regularly take painkillers such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or other oral anti-inflammatory medicines without asking his doctor. These medicines may not be suitable for some people with blood-pressure or heart problems.

Simple Exercises

Exercise is one of the most important parts of knee arthritis treatment. Start gently and preferably learn the exercises from a physiotherapist.

Suitable low-impact exercises include :

• Ankle movements while sitting or lying down

• Straightening the knee while sitting on a chair

• Tightening the thigh muscles while the leg is straight

• Gentle leg raises while lying down

• Short, comfortable walks

• Water exercise or swimming, if available and medically suitable

Stop an exercise if it causes severe pain, swelling or dizziness. Regular gentle exercise is generally more helpful than complete bed rest.

Home Care and Precautions

• Use a walking stick if advised by the doctor.

• Avoid prolonged standing and activities that put excessive stress on the knees.

• Avoid deep squats, repeated stair climbing and sitting on the floor if these increase pain.

• Maintain a healthy weight if he is overweight.

• Use a warm pack for stiffness or a cold pack if the knee becomes swollen.

• Continue his prescribed blood-pressure medicines regularly.

• Check blood pressure regularly and keep it controlled.

• Avoid starting painkillers or supplements without medical advice.

When Should Knee Replacement Be Considered?

Knee replacement is not automatically required just because he is 71. It may be considered when knee arthritis is severe, pain significantly affects walking or sleep, and other treatments have not provided enough relief. An orthopaedic surgeon can decide after examining him and reviewing the X-rays.

If he has sudden severe knee swelling, redness and fever, cannot put weight on the leg, or develops chest pain, severe breathlessness or fainting, he should receive prompt medical attention.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth