There are various options for treating knee pain without resorting to surgery, including oral medications, physical therapy programs and corticosteroid injections.
Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug pain relievers like aspirin or naproxen can reduce inflammation, but their prolonged use can cause stomach ulcers. Acupuncture relaxes muscles while aiding healing.
Physical therapists can identify muscle imbalances that contribute to knee pain. Low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling build strength without placing additional stress on your knees.
Acupuncture
Acupuncturists use various needles to stimulate specific points on the body. Acupuncture is believed to work by channeling energy — known in Chinese as “qi”, or “chee” — through twelve meridians that run along your body’s length, known as meridians. Modern acupuncture resembles Western medicine more, using needles to alter how your body processes things – although traditional Chinese and modern Western approaches often co-exist; many acupuncturists practice both techniques at once and sometimes studies show more effectiveness over placebo or “sham” treatments – although these studies do not adhere to scientific methodology so cannot represent its true efficacy.
Electroacupuncture was discovered to improve knee pain and function for those suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee in a small study, but its results did not last beyond completion of treatment. Acupuncture is often recommended in combination with oral medications and physical therapy as part of an overall approach for pain relief.
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have been used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee, although studies have had varied outcomes. One large National Institutes of Health-funded study failed to demonstrate a reduction in pain associated with OA knees when given these supplements; other research suggests otherwise. Nonetheless, studies indicate these supplements could potentially provide relief for pain associated with arthritis in both knees and other joints.
Viscosupplementation injections, also known as hyaluronic acid injections, may be another effective form of alternative therapy to consider for knee arthritis sufferers. These are designed to lubricate and replace missing cartilage while improving movement and decreasing arthritis pain. Injecting with this substance has proven very successful at improving knee movement while decreasing arthritis pain significantly.
If the pain caused by arthritis of the knee is uncontrolled by medication and other treatments, surgery may be required to ease its discomfort. One such surgery option is arthroscopic meniscus repair in which a surgeon removes damaged portions from your knee while simultaneously repairing any tears that have formed – often successful and with minimal recovery time required afterward.
Prevent and alleviate knee pain through exercise, weight loss (if overweight), nondrug treatments like acupuncture and massage, as well as healthcare providers having a basic understanding of these therapies as they discuss them with patients.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can provide safe and effective relief for various knee injuries, including sprains, strains, tendonitis and arthritis. Massage helps increase circulation, decrease inflammation, break up scar tissue and improve flexibility; additionally it strengthens surrounding muscles and tissues for additional injury protection and pain prevention. To obtain optimal results it’s wise to find a practitioner certified in massage therapy.
Most states regulate massage therapists, with certification requiring training from an approved program, passing a background check and becoming licensed in your state. When seeking out a massage therapist to treat knee pain, be open and honest with the therapist about what activities or movements exacerbate it so they can tailor your treatment specifically to meet your condition. This will enable them to provide effective techniques tailored specifically for you.
Researchers conducted a study on people living with knee osteoarthritis. Participants who underwent eight weeks of one-hour whole body massage therapy experienced more improvement in pain, stiffness and timed 50-foot walk than participants in light touch or standard care groups due to quadriceps muscle strengthening and balance enhancement resulting from massage, which can offset joint damage.
A 2010 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience revealed that massaging pressure receptors, nerves beneath your skin that send pain-reducing signals directly to the brain, with moderate pressure significantly decreased arthritic knee pain. Researchers also determined that wearing a knee brace provides additional external support and alignment of joint surfaces and decreases friction between rough bone surfaces.
Alternative treatments for knee pain can include stretching and exercises designed to strengthen leg muscles, avoiding high-impact activities, weight management, and using support devices. Medication such as over-the-counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen may offer relief, while injections with steroids may offer further alleviation from discomfort and swelling in knees.
For those suffering from severe or debilitating knee pain, surgical options exist to promote healing. Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI), for example, takes cartilage cells harvested from your knee and implants them directly into damaged areas – though this solution may only provide temporary relief.
Heat and Cold Therapy
The knees are essential weight-bearing joints that keep us upright and allow us to walk and run, yet they can become injured over time, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and limited mobility. RICE (rest, ice compression elevation) treatment has long been used at home as an effective remedy for knee injuries; other natural pain relief methods may also provide effective pain relief at this stage.
Heat therapy (thermotherapy), also known as thermotherapeutic massage, increases blood flow and relaxes tight muscles to help treat chronic knee pain and inflammation. Heat can be used alone or combined with cold therapy treatments for maximum effectiveness – it is advisable to switch up these treatments frequently for maximum effect.
Care should be taken when applying heat to your knee, as too much heat can burn the skin and worsen pain. Also avoid applying it directly over bruised or swollen knees as this increases risk for further damage and discomfort. Heat can be applied via heating pads, warm baths or showers.
Cold therapy may also be effective at relieving knee pain. This approach works by numbing nerve endings that send pain signals directly to your brain, as well as helping reduce inflammation and speed healing processes. Cold therapy is relatively safe when used correctly compared with NSAIDs which may lead to harmful side effects; unlike their use may pose health risks to most.
If your knee pain doesn’t improve after trying home remedies, contact Boston Orthopaedic & Spine provider to obtain an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of treatment. Your physician may suggest Ioveradeg, which uses targeted cold to alleviate knee discomfort.
With this device, your healthcare provider can deliver precise amounts of cold to nerves transmitting pain signals in your knee, providing long-term pain relief without the need for NSAIDs or surgery. ioveradeg is an ideal complement to existing treatments; for more information please visit their website.
Herbal Remedies
Nonsurgical options to relieve knee pain and promote joint health include knee bracing, medication, and exercise programs that strengthen muscles that support the knee. Altering lifestyle habits – like avoiding prolonged sitting or wearing cushioned shoes – may also help relieve knee discomfort by relieving stress placed on joints. If you are still experiencing knee discomfort after trying over-the-counter medicines and lifestyle modifications alone, consulting with healthcare providers for evaluation and recommendations could be essential in providing appropriate relief and treatment recommendations.
Many herbs possess anti-inflammatory properties, allowing them to help reduce swelling and alleviate knee pain. One such herb, turmeric, has proven its effectiveness against inflammation; others such as ginger, devil’s claw and boswellia (Indian frankincense) have also been proven to lower levels of an inflammatory protein in bloodstream. All these can be purchased as supplements or in premade preparations such as herbal teas or tinctures and should only be used with guidance from healthcare practitioners with training in herbal medicine.
Inflammation is one of the primary sources of knee pain, and one way to decrease it is through diet. Fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids which have been found to decrease inflammation; leafy greens like kale and Swiss chard contain antioxidants which may also help. Fruits such as berries and cherries contain anthocyanins which have proven anti-inflammatory effects.
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which has pain-relieving properties and increases circulation to your knee. You can add it directly into your diet or mix it with warm olive oil before applying directly. Some people also turn to willow bark extract, although evidence is limited on its effectiveness. Before making any decisions based on herbs or supplements for knee pain relief, be sure to speak to a healthcare provider first to make sure it will not interact negatively with any medications prescribed for you.
