A 68-year-old woman with a history of knee osteoarthritis complains of increasing difficulty going up and down stairs. She's been managing her pain with paracetamol and intermittent use of a knee brace. What further steps could be considered?
If the patient's mobility is significantly affected despite conservative measures, she might benefit from physical therapy, which could provide specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around her knee and improve her balance. Assistive devices like a cane or walker can also improve stability. Consideration could also be given to more potent analgesics or intra-articular injections. Ultimately, if her symptoms are severe and impacting her quality of life, she may be a candidate for a total knee replacement.