Knee pain afflicts numerous American adults, particularly those in their senior years. In fact, in the United States, about 26 percent of people ages 60 and up have knee pain related to wear and tear arthritis, or osteoarthritis.
If you have osteoarthritis in the knee or experience pain related to an injury or other health condition, you need quick relief which really works. Here are some methods we recommend in our health and wellness clinics.
Why Does Knee Pain Happen?
For most people, knee pain develops as the result of a degenerative condition called osteoarthritis, or OA. OA is a condition where knee cartilage on the thigh- and shin bones breaks down. Cartilage preserves smooth, efficient movement of the knee joint. The knee also has C-shaped menisci which cushion and support the knee as you walk, run, stand, pivot, jump and perform other complex movements. When the cartilage is damaged, it can cause painful popping and crackling in the joint.
Additionally, OA degrades the therapeutic effects of the synovial fluid in the knee joint. This naturally occurring fluid cushions and lubricates the structure of the knee. Without sufficient synovial fluid, the knee joint becomes inflamed, less efficient, and yes, painful.
There are other factors besides OA that can impact the function and wellness of the knees. Excessive body weight also places extreme pressure on the hips, back and knees. Smoking deprives all body joints of the oxygen and nutrients they need for efficient and comfortable operation, too.
Treating Knee Pain Quickly and Easily
People can manage knee pain in a variety of ways, and none of them involve heavy pain medications or scary orthopedic surgeries, such as knee replacement. Instead, our providers at NIVA Health recommend many of the following interventions.
These pain relief strategies are very effective as our professional team customizes them according to patient characteristics, such as age, pre-existing health conditions, results of imaging, activity level and more.
Physical Therapy
A combination of at-home and in-office programs, physical therapy improves knee pain, movement, and flexibility. Leg lifts, quadriceps stretching, and other exercises reduce stiffness and swelling which lead to knee pain.
Also, your physical therapist may recommend you take up a program of light aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or another activity that is easy on the joints. If you exercise regularly, you will notice an uptick in strength, endurance, and flexibility, as well as a reduction inpain in the knees, back, and hips.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is a safe, effective therapy for adults with mild to moderate knee pain due to arthritis. It involves an injection of PRP into your knee joint to make promote healing in the joint and reduce pain. PRP is produced by taking a sample of your blood and isolating out the platelets, which contain growth factors that promote tissue healing.Some patients may require multiple rounds of PRP injections, and it can take up to four weeks to see results after injection. After that time, patients do find significant pain relief in their treated knees.
Rest,and Other Quick and Easy Remedies
It’s just common sense that knee pain can improve with rest from overuse. If you engage in repetitive motion activities, such as running or basketball and you experience increased knee pain the next day, then stop for a day or two. Simply taking a break can ease knee pain and inflammation. However, it is important to get back to your normal exercise routine once the pain subsides so that you can keep your joints healthy.
When you experience acute knee pain from exercise or sports, try these reliable therapy protocols:
- Ice the affected knee (20 minutes on and 20 off) to reduce swelling
- Compress the knee with an ACE bandage or knee brace
- Elevate the painful knee to reduce swelling and tenderness
Even a hot water bottle, disposable heat pack, or electric heating pad can provide rapid knee pain relief. Consult your healthcare provider or physical therapist to know which at-home remedies may work best for your unique needs.
Knee Pain Treatment in Jacksonville, Florida
At NIVA Health, our pain management team knows how to relieve joint discomfort with natural, effective remedies. You can feel better and regain balance and mobility even with arthritis and other musculoskeletal issues.
Call us today at (866) 377-5872 for a consultation at a NIVA Health clinic nearest to you or request your visit by completing our online form here. We have locations in Florida, Illinois, Michigan, and Georgia. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
