Alternatives to Biologics in Management of Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that significantly impacts the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. Traditional treatment options, including pain relievers, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections, often provide only temporary relief and do not address the underlying disease progression. As a result, there is growing interest in exploring alternatives to biological therapies that could offer more effective management strategies for knee arthritis. This study reviews various non-surgical treatment methods, focusing on their effectiveness and potential as alternatives to biological medications. Methods: This review includes a comprehensive analysis of the literature from ۲۰۰۰ to ۲۰۲۰ on non-surgical management options for knee osteoarthritis, concentrating on treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), weight loss programs, intra-articular injections (corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid), physical therapy, and bracing. The effectiveness of these treatments was assessed based on clinical outcomes such as pain relief and functional improvement. The review also considered patient demographics and OA severity when evaluating treatment effectiveness. Results: Findings indicate that several non-surgical treatments can effectively manage the symptoms of knee arthritis. Long-term use of NSAIDs has been shown to reduce pain and improve function, although they carry risks of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. Weight loss has a significant positive impact on reducing joint stress and improving overall function in overweight patients. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections provide rapid pain relief but are limited by their transient effects, typically lasting only a few weeks. Hyaluronic acid injections have been used with varying success, with some studies reporting significant improvement in pain and function, while others suggest minimal benefits. Additionally, physical therapy, particularly aquatic therapy, has demonstrated effectiveness in increasing mobility and reducing pain levels. Bracing may also provide symptomatic relief, but there is no strong consensus on its overall efficacy. Conclusion: While biological therapies present a promising avenue for treating knee osteoarthritis, various non-surgical management strategies are essential components of comprehensive care. Treatments such as NSAIDs, weight loss programs, intra-articular injections, physical therapy, and bracing can significantly reduce symptoms and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Future research should focus on optimizing treatment protocols and exploring combination therapies to enhance efficacy while minimizing potential side effects.

کلیدواژه ها:

Knee osteoarthritis ، non-operative treatment ، NSAIDs ، corticosteroids ، hyaluronic acid