Knee pain can affect people of all ages, and it affects daily life by hindering mobility and strength in your legs. Chronic knee pain can result from long-term conditions like arthritis or injuries. Surgery is an option, but it can be expensive and time consuming.
This guide will teach you knee pain treatment and, if necessary, how to deal with knee surgery.
Knee Pain
Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can come from many places so it’s important to know the underlying cause to treat it properly. Common causes are medical conditions, knee injury, strains and sprains, overuse injuries.
Medical Conditions
Several medical conditions can cause knee pain, arthritis is the most common. Knee osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition of the knee joint. Osteoarthritis is wear and tear on the knee joint, mostly affects older adults. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation and pain. Gout is when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joint and causes a lot of discomfort and swelling.
Strains and Sprains
Knee pain can come from strains and sprains of the connective tissues around the knee. Sudden movements, falls or direct trauma can overstretch or tear muscles, tendons and ligaments and causes pain and limited mobility.
Many types of minor knee pain respond well to self-care measures, physical therapy, and knee braces.
Overuse
Overuse injuries are common among athletes and active individuals. Repetitive movements like running or cycling can strain the knee joint and surrounding tissues. Runner’s knee is a common issue that includes various abnormalities that causes pain in the kneecap area.
Non Surgical Options For Knee Pain Treatment
Anti-Inflammatories
Anti-inflammatory medications like over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin can give temporary relief from knee pain by reducing inflammation. For severe pain, prescription meds might be needed. However, long term use of these meds can slow down tissue healing and should be monitored by a healthcare provider.
Braces and Orthotics
Using medical devices like a knee brace and orthotic shoe inserts can help alleviate knee pain by supporting and holding the knee in place, especially in the context of injury and inflammation. These devices reduce pressure on the affected area and absorb shock of movement, providing support and stability so daily activities become more manageable.
Low Impact Exercise and Physical Therapy
Doing low impact exercises is good for knee joint health. Exercises like side-leg raises and single-leg lifts can help ease knee pain by targeting various muscles such as hip abductors, hamstrings, and quadriceps. Exercises like aquatic therapy, yoga, walking and strength training helps build strength around the knee. This in turn promotes safe and healthy movement and blood flow to aid in healing.
Injections and Infusions
Several injection therapies can give pain relief and improve joint function. Corticosteroid injections reduces inflammation and pain. Hyaluronic acid injections lubricates the knee joint and improves mobility. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections is derived from the patient’s blood and promotes healing by concentrating growth factors at the injury site.
Lifestyle Changes
Making some lifestyle changes can make a big impact on knee health. Building strength, improving flexibility, and incorporating balance and stability training can help prevent knee pain. Being at a healthy weight reduces the stress on the knee joint. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables and healthy fats supports joint health. Physical therapy that includes targeted stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and strength and prevent future pain.
Advanced Non Surgical Treatments for Knee Pain
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections gives quick relief from knee pain by reducing inflammation. Corticosteroid injections are often used for severe knee pain caused by conditions like gout and acute injuries, and medical care should be sought for severe symptoms such as redness, swelling, and difficulty in using the affected leg. Injected directly into the joint, these injections can relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, they are used sparingly because of potential side effects with repeated use.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections lubricates the knee joint and improves mobility and reduces pain. This is especially good for patients with osteoarthritis. By restoring the natural cushioning in the joint, hyaluronic acid can improve joint function and delay surgery.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP injections uses the patient’s own blood to promote healing. PRP injections can help relieve knee pain caused by conditions such as patellofemoral pain, chronic degenerative meniscal tears, and osteoarthritis. Platelets which are rich in growth factors are concentrated and injected into the knee. This treatment stimulates tissue repair and reduces inflammation and is good for various knee injuries and conditions.
COOLIEF* Treatment
COOLIEF* is an advanced radiofrequency treatment that targets the nerves that transmits pain signals. Using cooled radiofrequency energy, COOLIEF* shuts down these nerves and gives long term pain relief without damaging surrounding tissues. This FDA cleared treatment is good for osteoarthritis related knee pain and can give relief up to 12 months.
Regenerative Medicine for Knee Osteoarthritis
Regenerative medicine including stem cell therapy aims to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. Stem cells are injected into the knee joint to promote growth of healthy tissue and reduce inflammation. This new approach can treat various knee conditions without the need for surgery.
Daily Habits for Knee Pain Treatment
Eat Joint Friendly Foods
Diet is important for knee pain treatment. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy and healthy oils can reduce inflammation and support knee function. These foods provides essential nutrients that promotes joint health and overall well being.
Exercise in Short Bursts
Exercise is important to maintain knee pain treatment and reduce inflammation in the knee joints. Doing low impact exercises like walking or swimming in short periods, multiple times a day can keep the joints active without overusing them. These short bursts of activity can improve joint mobility and pain.
Modify Your Home
Making small adjustments at home can help knee pain treatment. Store frequently used items at waist height so you don’t have to bend or crouch. This reduces the stress on your knees during daily activities. Small changes like this can make a big impact on knee pain.
Give Your Knees a Rest
Rest is important for knee pain treatment. Don’t push through the pain as this can cause further injury. Take regular breaks throughout the day to rest your knees. Listen to your body and give yourself enough time to recover especially after physical activities.
Monitor Your Pain
Keeping a pain journal can help you identify patterns and triggers for knee pain treatment. Note down daily activities, food intake and pain levels to get insight what’s making your condition worse. Discuss these with your doctor to create a more effective pain management plan.
When Surgery is Needed
Indications for Knee Surgery
Knee surgery is needed when non surgical treatments don’t work and the pain is severe enough to impede daily activities. Conditions like advanced osteoarthritis, severe ligament injuries or extensive cartilage damage often requires surgical intervention. Persistent pain, swelling and limited mobility are the signs that surgery may be needed.
Types of Knee Surgery
There are several types of knee surgery. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat joint problems by removing or repairing damaged tissue. Partial knee replacement is when only the damaged part of the knee is replaced, preserving healthy bone and tissue. Total knee replacement is a more extensive procedure where the entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components to relieve severe arthritis and restore function.
Benefits of Knee Surgery
Knee surgery aims to reduce pain, restore mobility and improve quality of life. After surgery most patients experience significant pain relief and improved joint function and can go back to daily activities and maintain an active lifestyle. Advanced surgical techniques and rehabilitation program helps in faster recovery and better outcome.
Pre and Post Surgical Care
Proper preparation and rehabilitation is key to successful knee surgery outcome. Pre surgical care is physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee to improve recovery. Post surgical care is a structured rehabilitation program with physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility and range of motion. Follow these protocols to achieve optimal recovery and long term success.
Come to our Atlanta Spine and Orthopedic Clinic Today!
At Georgia Spine and Orthopedic, we can give you the tools you need to alleviate your knee pain. We understand that surgery can be pricy and sometimes unnecessary, so we’ll let you know your other options.
Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us at 678-929-4494!
