Knee osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic joint pain and limited mobility. Understanding the condition — and exploring effective knee osteoarthritis treatment options — is essential for reducing pain, preventing progression, and restoring quality of life.

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis and Why Treatment Matters?

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the knee cartilage — known as articular cartilage — gradually wears away. This results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted movement. Without proper knee osteoarthritis treatment, the condition can progress, significantly impacting daily activities.

OA is no longer limited to the elderly. It is now common among:

• Working adults with high-impact joint activity (e.g., long-distance runners)

• People with runner’s knee or Chondromalacia patellae

• Individuals with previous knee injuries or chronic joint inflammation

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis, including:

• Age: Natural cartilage wear and tear

• Excess weight: More pressure on the knee joint

• Repetitive stress: Sitting, lifting, running, or kneeling for long periods

• Injuries: Past trauma or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)

• Genetics: Family predisposition

• Chronic diseases: Such as rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms That Indicate You May Need Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment

Early detection is key. Common symptoms include:

• Pain during or after activity

• Morning stiffness or stiffness after rest

• Swelling or crackling noises in the knee

• Muscle weakness leading to instability

• Severe cases: visible joint deformity

Prevention: How to Lower Your Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis

While aging and genetics can’t be controlled, you can delay or reduce risk through lifestyle changes:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint pressure

• Exercise with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling

• Avoid excessive kneeling, squatting, or sitting for long periods

• Strengthen supporting muscles through targeted workouts

• Wear supportive footwear

• Eat a nutrient-rich diet with calcium, collagen, and omega-3 fatty acids

Effective Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Options

1. Basic Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis

• Lifestyle changes: Avoid overuse of the knee

• Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles around the joint

• Weight control: Reduces joint stress

• NSAIDs (doctor-recommended): Relieves inflammation and pain

2. Regenerative Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment with Stem Cells

Stem cell therapy, particularly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), is one of the most advanced knee osteoarthritis treatment methods today. MSCs can:

• Reduce pain and inflammation

• Stimulate cartilage regeneration

• Improve joint function and mobility

• Potentially delay or prevent knee replacement surgery

MSCs are collected from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cords and work by repairing tissue and slowing cartilage breakdown.

Stem Cells for Knee Osteoarthritis and Runner’s Knee (PFPS)

Research shows stem cell therapy can treat both knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Benefits include:

• Natural regeneration of cartilage

• Improved mobility and reduced pain

• Lower risk of surgery

Recovery After Knee Osteoarthritis Stem Cell Treatment

Results vary depending on age, health, and lifestyle. For best recovery:

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 3 months

• Limit heavy knee strain during healing

• Follow a rehabilitation plan focusing on quadriceps strengthening

About EDNA Wellness

Located in Bangkok, EDNA Wellness is a private clinic specializing in Stem Cell Therapy for Neurology & Stroke as well as Bones & Joints. Beyond rehabilitation, we also provide aesthetic and wellness treatments to support your full-body vitality — all delivered with expert care and compassion.

For more information or inquiries, contact us via

LINE @ednawellness

WhatsApp +66 (0) 64 505 5599