A 70-year-old man has had a long-term "bowlegged" condition but recently his right knee has become warm, swollen, and tender. He reports no recent trauma and gets no relief with rest or Tylenol (paracetamol). He is otherwise in good health and takes no medication. X-rays show arthritis of the knee. Which would be the best treatment?
Bed rest, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, and a knee brace Use of a cane for ambulating, restriction of knee-bending activities, and implementation of muscle-strengthening exercises Intra-articular steroid injection, bed rest, and analgesics Long-leg cast and crutches for 3 weeks, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory agents