Knee pain is an all-too-common issue for many Americans, especially as we get older.
In the worst situations, surgery may be necessary. But the good news is there are plenty of other knee pain treatments available. Below we look at 7 of the best treatments for knee pain that can help you avoid surgery.
7 Top Knee Pain Treatments
Hot And Cold Compress
Ice relieves pain and swelling. Applying a hot pack or hot water bottle to the painful spot on your knee may also provide temporary relief.
Heat and cold therapy alternately relieve joint discomfort. Moist heat increases circulation and flexibility in the injured knee. A few days of rest and an ice pack are usually enough to repair mild knee injuries.
Physical Therapy
Depending on the cause of your discomfort, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or strengthening exercises. Physical therapy aims to increase mobility, relieve discomfort, and improve your knee.
This treatment for knee pain can address both acute and chronic knee pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural painkiller system.
Medications
Your doctor may recommend drugs to address your knee pain. The safest treatment for knee pain is acetaminophen (paracetamol).
NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can quickly relieve knee discomfort. NSAIDs should not be used for 24 hours after a knee injury.
They may also prescribe more powerful prescription medications.
Injections
Steroid knee injections, often known as corticosteroids, treat knee inflammation and pain. This quick-acting injectable soothes irritable joints, bursae, and tendons.
Hyaluronic acid is a thick fluid injected into your knee to improve mobility and relieve pain. Although the usefulness of this treatment has been debated, one or a series of shots may provide up to six months of relief.
PRP is high in growth factors that appear to reduce inflammation and improve healing. PRP may help some people with osteoarthritis, but further research is needed.
Herbals / Supplements
Herbal anti-inflammatory medications can work well for chronic knee discomfort. Turmeric, ginger, white willow bark, and Boswellia are anti-inflammatory herbs some use to alleviate knee discomfort.
A lot of people take glucosamine and chondroitin for knee pain. These chemicals are found in cartilage. These vitamins are thought to help regenerate cartilage.
Omega-3 lipids can reduce less chronic inflammation and discomfort.
Genicular Nerve Block
This cutting-edge technique (also known as “G Block”) disables pain-transmitting sensory nerves.
