Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections are sometimes utilized by healthcare providers to relieve the pain from osteoarthritis or degenerative cartilage tears. In addition, NSAIDs should be used for short-term treatment only, as they have not been found to be effective for managing chronic knee pain. If the symptoms are persistent, involve other joints, and there are other symptoms such as morning stiffness, it could be rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors can give drugs for both the disease itself and the pain it causes. Some people may take supplements to support joint health.
For a possibly longer lasting effect, an injection of hyaluronic acid (also called viscosupplementation) can be tried. “Hyaluronic acid is a substance that healthy joints have a lot of and arthritic knees don’t,” says Dr. Day. It takes longer to start working than a corticosteroid injection, but the effect often lasts six months to a year. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and there is some evidence for its usefulness for painful knee arthritis. You can add turmeric to your food or take it as a supplement. It can thin blood, so people who take a blood thinning medication should not use turmeric.
In addition to being habit-forming, other potential side effects of opioid analgesics include constipation, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, and slowed breathing. In addition to the home remedies described above, there are also several OTC medications that may be useful in reducing your knee symptoms. Depending on the cause of your problem, he or she may refer you to a doctor specializing in joint diseases (rheumatologist), joint surgery (orthopedic surgeon) or sports medicine. As you may have guessed from the product name, this cream contains capsaicin, which temporarily overrides pain by producing a warming sensation on the skin. This numbing cream contains 4% lidocaine — the max amount you can get without a prescription. The product gets top marks from reviewers, with many citing how quickly it works on all sorts of pain, not just from arthritis.
A person may require stronger medication for more severe pain, which a doctor can prescribe. These may include higher dosage NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors, also called coxibs. In a total knee replacement, a surgeon removes the damaged tissue and bone and replaces the knee joint with an artificial joint.
If you develop a new problem or symptom that needs medical attention, your healthcare provider will assess you to determine the cause and put together a treatment plan. The sooner you are checked out and start treatment, the sooner you can prevent further damage to your knee. Make sure you talk to your healthcare provider before you start a yoga program to manage knee arthritis to determine what types of yoga poses might be safe for you to do. A study reported in 2013 aimed to investigate changes in knee pain and function in older adults with OA of the knee who participated in an eight-week meditation program. Findings showed a regular meditation program can help reduce knee pain and dysfunction and other health-related outcomes in adults with knee OA. Ginger has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help decrease pain and inflammation.
The ACR/AF do not recommend using opioid drugs, as there is a risk of developing a dependency. However, if the other medicines do not work, a doctor may eventually prescribe an opioid. If you are currently overweight, losing even a few pounds help with OA.
Knee pain can be a common issue that affects people of all ages. Whether it’s due to an injury, arthritis, or overuse, finding the best treatment for knee pain is crucial in order to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility.
Physical Therapy
One of the most effective treatments for knee pain is physical therapy. A trained therapist can help you strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and correct any imbalances that may be causing pain. Physical therapy also includes exercises to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage knee pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications or injections to help with pain management.
Surgery
If conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be necessary. Common procedures for knee pain include arthroscopic surgery to repair damaged cartilage or ligaments, or total knee replacement for severe arthritis. Surgery should always be considered as a last resort after trying other treatments.
Alternative Therapies
Some people find relief from knee pain through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or herbal remedies. While these treatments may not work for everyone, they are worth considering if you are looking for non-invasive options.
Conclusion
Finding the best treatment for knee pain depends on the underlying cause of the pain and your individual needs. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most effective treatment plan for you. Whether it’s physical therapy, medication, surgery, or alternative therapies, there are a variety of options available to help you manage and alleviate knee pain.
