Knee pain is a common complaint that can stem from numerous causes, including acute injuries or underlying medical conditions. An acute injury, such as a ruptured ligament, torn cartilage, fracture, or dislocation, typically causes sudden and severe pain that requires immediate medical attention. Chronic conditions like arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis may begin as a dull, achy pain that progressively worsens over time. The appropriate treatment for knee pain depends on its specific cause, and options can range from conservative measures like pain medication and physical therapy to more direct interventions. For some patients, pain injections provide relief, while other causes of knee pain may ultimately necessitate surgery to resolve the issue.
Conservative Treatment Approaches
Lifestyle adjustments and physical therapies offer a comprehensive approach to managing knee pain. Excess weight places additional stress on joints; weight loss can significantly reduce pain levels, while low-impact exercises like swimming protect the joints during fitness activities. Strengthening the muscles around the knee provides better support; using a cane can unload weight and improve balance. Bracing the knee offers external stability; shoe inserts might correct alignment issues that contribute to knee strain.
Physical therapy strengthens the muscles that support the knee joint and can reduce pain while improving mobility. Physicians may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to decrease pain, swelling, and stiffness, and these medications are often used alongside therapy. Corticosteroid injections may also be offered to reduce inflammation within the joint. A range of options exists, and a physician can help you determine which is most helpful for your situation.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
For patients who continue to experience pain after conservative care, minimally invasive procedures may provide another option. Interventional radiology providers offer radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to interrupt pain signals from the nerves around the knee. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) reduces blood flow to the lining of the knee joint; this reduction decreases inflammation. Although these interventional treatments are relatively new, many patients report decreased knee pain and improved function; these procedures are available for patients with chronic knee pain, and they are performed in an outpatient setting with little to no downtime.
Surgical Considerations
When conservative and minimally invasive options do not provide adequate relief, surgical treatments may be considered. Arthroscopic surgery may be appropriate in certain situations; surgeons evaluate each patient’s condition carefully before recommending it. Total knee replacement is often described as the most definitive solution for advanced arthritis. While it can provide permanent pain relief and restored function, it is typically reserved for patients whose symptoms significantly interfere with daily life.
Relief for Knee Pain
Knee arthritis treatment involves a spectrum of options ranging from therapy and medication to interventional procedures and surgery. Conservative strategies such as physical therapy, NSAIDs, and injections often serve as the foundation of care. Minimally invasive procedures like radiofrequency ablation and genicular artery embolization offer additional pathways for relief, and they may help patients delay or avoid joint replacement. Although total knee replacement remains an effective long-term solution for severe cases, many individuals may benefit from exploring earlier interventions, and collaboration with medical professionals is helpful. You can find a clinic near you to talk to a specialist about finding relief.
