Non-Surgical Treatment for Knee Pain
You could have more alternatives than you think for knee pain treatment. There are several ways the knee joint can move. However, there are a number of similar treatment choices available. Before turning to surgical procedures, it\’s crucial to exhaust all non-surgical therapy options while speaking with orthocure.co.uk.
Arthritis is the term for joint inflammation. It typically happens as a result of normal wear and tear, which causes the cartilage in one\’s joints to deteriorate. Pain, edema, and stiffness are common symptoms that limit the range of motion. It can feel as horrible as it sounds when the cartilage eventually wears away completely, leaving only bone on bone. Pain Management doctors help in knee pain treatment by using different non-surgical methods.
5 Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatments
The five nonsurgical alternatives for treating knee pain are listed below.
Medicine
Medication is the first solution for arthritic symptoms. This covers both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Motrin and naproxen sodium. The painkiller acetaminophen (Tylenol) only acts as an analgesic; it has no anti-inflammatory properties. People with arthritis are regularly given anti-inflammatory drugs as prescriptions by pain management doctors. This kind of drug aids in reducing the swelling in the troubled area, which can lessen the discomfort you experience in your arthritic knee or knees.
Without first contacting a doctor, don\’t take any over-the-counter drugs for longer than fourteen days. The likelihood of side effects can arise while using them for extended periods of time.
Drug use should be kept to a minimum as well. For the treatment of arthritis, common opioids include morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Despite the fact that narcotics can be quite efficient in reducing pain, they frequently result in addiction and withdrawal when used in excess.
Physical Exercise
One of the most essential elements in orthopedics is physical therapy. Physical therapy for arthritis patients aims to restore the use of the damaged joints by enhancing mobility, boosting joint support muscle strength, lowering stiffness, and preserving daily activity capacity.
To reach their highest level of physical function, including balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination, a physical therapist will create a unique plan for each patient. Your therapist can instruct you in stretching exercises and demonstrate how to relieve stiffness without endangering the joint.
When you start having problems with arthritis, your doctor will frequently suggest this as your initial course of action. Taking pressure off the knee, assisting in maintaining the joint\’s appropriate alignment, and reducing pain can all be achieved by stretching and strengthening the muscles in the quads and hamstrings. Make sure to discuss this choice with your doctor.
- Preserving a Healthy Weight
Knee arthritis is exacerbated by excess weight because it puts more strain on the joint. According to studies, every pound you carry adds up to four pounds on your knees when you walk and nine pounds when you climb stairs.
The usage of a body mass index calculator is advised by experts for patients to determine if they are overweight or obese. Typically, they utilize this knowledge to develop objectives for reducing arthritic symptoms and maintaining a healthy weight. A healthy diet can also occasionally reduce the discomfort associated with arthritis.
It\’s best to consult a doctor for knee pain treatment before beginning any significant weight-loss program so they can assist with program customization and carefully track your progress.
There are numerous more advantages to keeping a healthy weight. Obesity increases the risk of problems after hip and knee replacements. Studies suggest that people who are overweight have a considerably increased risk of infection. Maintaining a healthy weight also extends the life of your knee and hip implants. Consider that every pound matters!
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- Assistive Devices and Knee Braces
By providing external support for the joint, a brace can lessen the load on it, increase stability, and provide pain relief. There are novel brace choices for hip arthritis as well, while braces are more frequently used for knee arthritis.
Another choice for people with hip or knee arthritis is an assistive device, like a cane or walker. These can offer support and aid in improving balance. A walker can hold up to 50% of a person\’s weight, compared to a cane\’s maximum support of 25%. As part of my post-surgical therapy after hip and knee replacements, I also use these assistive gadgets.
It\’s crucial to visit an orthopedic doctor to evaluate whether an assistive device is the best choice for you before investing in a brace, cane, or walker.
Options for Injection
Compared to surgery, injections can be a terrific option. They can postpone surgery for months or even years, or in some individuals, they can do surgery in its place.
The most popular injection is a cortisone injection, a steroid that reduces inflammation. Knee arthritis may benefit greatly from it.
The second choice is an injection of hyaluronic acid, a concentrated version of a protein that is naturally present in joint fluid. This acts as a lubricating gel for the joint and is mostly used to treat knee arthritis.
Knee pain treatment is possible through injections too. There are two other more recent injectable options: mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Despite the fact that numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these regenerative treatments, most insurances do not provide coverage for them.
A patient\’s own platelets are concentrated into platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is made from a straightforward blood draw. In the body, platelets have a strong inflammatory recruiting effect and help the injected area heal. Meniscal tears, tendon injuries, and arthritis can all be treated with it.
Of course, at Central Orthopedic Group, we consider all available treatments before deciding to perform surgery on a patient. These five therapy approaches for hip/knee arthritis have already shown promise for a large number of individuals. We are adamant that no one should have to deal with the suffering that these disorders can cause. We are dedicated to collaborating with patients to get rid of their problems and quickly and painlessly regain their comfort and mobility.
