Managing Knee Pain: Discover the Top Non-Surgical Methods

Do you have knee pain that makes it difficult for you to sit down, stand up, get out of bed, or climb stairs? Your condition can affect almost every aspect of your life! You should certainly explore non-surgical methods for managing your knee pain. The right treatment could restore mobility and strength and help you get back to enjoying your daily routine. What are some of the top methods for handling knee issues? This blog post explains.

Home Remedies

Several simple approaches may provide relief from knee pain within the comfort of your own home. These strategies focus on reducing discomfort and supporting your body’s healing process:

• Rest and activity modification: Resting the affected knee and avoiding repetitive activities that aggravate symptoms may help reduce inflammation.
• Ice application: Applying a cold pack to the knee for 15 – 20 minutes at a time, several times per day, can help decrease swelling and numb soreness.
• Compression: Using an elastic bandage or knee sleeve may limit swelling and provide support during movement.
• Elevation: Raising your knee above the level of your heart while resting may help reduce swelling.
• Over-the-counter medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can relieve pain and inflammation in many cases.
• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the stress placed on knee joints, which may help prevent further damage.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can play a vital role in restoring knee strength, flexibility, and function. A licensed physical therapist will develop a personalized exercise plan based on your specific needs and goals. Typical components of a physical therapy program include:

• Strengthening exercises for the muscles supporting the knee, especially the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles
• Stretching routines to improve range of motion
• Balance training to help stabilize the knee
• Manual therapy techniques to decrease stiffness and pain
• Education on proper body mechanics and joint protection strategies

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment involves hands-on techniques performed by a trained osteopathic physician. It looks similar to physical therapy, but it has different underlying principles. The purpose of OMT is to correct joint restrictions, address muscle imbalances, and promote the body’s natural ability to heal. Techniques used in OMT may include:

• Gentle stretching or muscle energy techniques
• Joint mobilization to improve movement and alignment
• Soft tissue manipulation to relieve tension and improve circulation

Injections

Injection therapies are often considered when other options have not provided sufficient relief. Different types of injections target various causes of knee pain:

• Viscosupplementation: Injection of hyaluronic acid helps lubricate the joint, potentially reducing pain from osteoarthritis.
• Trigger point injections: Injection of anesthetic into painful muscle knots may ease referred knee pain.
• Regenerative medicine: Techniques such as prolotherapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections aim to stimulate the body’s repair mechanisms, promoting tissue healing and pain reduction.

Consult an Orthopedic Physician for Personalized Guidance

Every case of knee pain is unique, and the most effective management plan depends on a careful evaluation of your symptoms, lifestyle, and underlying condition. An orthopedic physician possesses specialized knowledge to recommend the best course of action. If you experience persistent knee pain, consider scheduling an appointment with such a practitioner. Their personalized guidance may get you on the path to stronger knees and freedom from pain.

Meet the Practice

At the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics of Fort Lauderdale, our highly skilled and experienced team provides a range of treatments that can aid in the management of knee pain, including regenerative medicine, trigger point injections, OMT, and more. To learn how we may be able to help you, contact our office at 954-563-2707.