<s>[INST] Hi, I have osteoarthritis 51 5 7 190 and my right knee has been very painful for the last 2 weeks, straightening it, it feels like a band is across the knee cap about to snap and lots of crunching as well trying to stand up or step up is very painful ...this does not feel like the other joints affected by the osteo ..could it be something else [/INST] Hello, I have studied your case. For osteoarthritis of your knee.You need to continue cartilage protecting medication like chondritin sulphate [glucosamine], that you need to take for couple of months.I will advise to do X ray knee weight bearing and if required MRI knee can be done and if there is severe destruction of menisci then arthroscopic shaving can be done.Physiotherapy like ultrasound and tens will help, along with knee exercisesMild deformity can not be corrected with just medication,but further progression of deformity can be corrected.Exercises will help to strengthen muscle and joint. In lying flat supine on back – move your ankle up and down[plantar flexion dorsiflexion],keeping small towel below knee-press your patella[knee cap ] on towel and hold for 15 sec,lift your leg straight alternately [10-15 times].Lying on your tummy- flex knee alternately, make knee rotation in flexion.Sitting on chair- extend your legs alternately [hold in extension for 15 sec]Standing half squat taking support of wall to back..VISCOSUPPLEMENTATION: Hyaluronic acid injections given into the joint (especially large joints like knee joint) in prescribed dosages will give good short term pain relief in arthritic joints ranging from 1-2 years.Newer modalities for cartilage injury include autologous chondrocyte implantation[ ACI] which helps in treatment of cartilage destruction.Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health.Take care. </s>