Knee osteoarthritis cannot be reversed. Once the cartilage inside the knee wears down, it does not regenerate. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, slow further progression where possible, and preserve function — not to restore the joint to its original state. In early and moderate stages, this is achievable with physiotherapy, weight management activity modification. In advanced stages, knee replacement may be the most effective way to relieve pain and restore function.
Patients should be cautious about treatments that claim to reverse or cure osteoarthritis. While some injections and newer biological treatments are being studied, their evidence base for reversing established joint damage is not yet sufficient to form the basis of standard clinical practice.
Written by Dr Shrishti Patil, MS Ortho, Consultant Orthopaedic and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon, SPARSH Hospital, Hennur Road, Bengaluru.
To book a consultation with Dr Shrishti Patil at SPARSH Hospital, Hennur Road, Bengaluru, visit linqmd.com/doctors/dr-shrishti-patil-joint-replacement-surgeon-hennur-bengaluru
