Arthritis in the knee can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies. Here are some things you can do to help alleviate the symptoms of knee arthritis:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight can reduce stress on the knee joint, resulting in less pain and increased function.

• Exercise: Low-impact exercise such as cycling, rowing, swimming, water aerobics, walking, and tai chi has been shown to reduce pain and improve function. Strengthening the muscles around the knee makes the joint more stable and decreases pain. Stretching exercises help keep the knee joint mobile and flexible.

• Use devices such as braces: There are two types of braces: "unloader" braces, which take the weight away from the side of the knee affected by arthritis, and "support" braces, which provide support for the entire knee.

• Apply heat or ice to the area: Applying heat or ice, or wearing elastic bandages to provide support to the knee may provide some relief from pain.

• Physical and occupational therapy: Physical therapists teach you ways to strengthen muscles and make your joints more flexible. Occupational therapists teach you ways to do regular, daily activities, such as housework, with less pain.

• Medications: Several types of drugs are useful in treating arthritis of the knee. Over-the-counter, non-narcotic pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are usually the first choice of therapy for arthritis of the knee. Topical medications applied to the knees such as diclofenac gel relieve pain and have few adverse effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen are the most effective oral medications for osteoarthritis. They should be taken under the guidance of a doctor to ensure safe use.

• Injections: Injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid into the knee can help control pain and inflammation and promote healing.

Its important to note that there is no cure for arthritis of the knee, but treatment can relieve some of the symptoms. Treatment might even slow down or stop the disease from getting worse.