Effective Nonsurgical Options for Knee Pain Knee pain can occur due to injuries, medical conditions, and overuse of the joint. The blog discusses the top nonsurgical treatment methods for knee pain.
Knee pain is a very common complaint with many causes, which range from acute injuries (like ruptured ligament or torn cartilage) to severe complications of medical conditions (including arthritis, gout and infections) and other mechanical problems. Chronic knee pain affects a person’s ability to perform dayto-day tasks and affect quality of life. While the condition is frustrating, the good news is that knee pain is a very treatable problem. Leading pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer effective nonsurgical knee pain treatment modalities to alleviate the chronic pain, swelling and other symptoms associated with the condition. The type, location and intensity of pain will differ depending upon the specific cause of the problem. Key signs and symptoms of knee pain include - redness and warmth to the touch, weakness/instability of the joint, swelling and stiffness, popping or crunching noises and inability to fully straighten the joint.
When to Seek Medical Attention Pain in the knees generally occurs in a specific area of the joint or can spread out throughout the knee, making movement difficult. If the pain is the result of a minor fall/injury, it could be managed and
resolved easily with various self-care measures. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately See an obvious deformity in your leg or knee Have marked knee swelling Have a fever, in addition to redness, pain and swelling in your knee Feel as if your knee is unstable or your knee "gives out" Can't bear weight on your knee
Knee Pain Treatment Options available in Brooklyn Health care centers in Brooklyn offer effective non-invasive treatment modalities for knee pain. In a multispecialty center, a team of healthcare experts comprising orthopaedic specialists and pain management physicians will assess patients and provide customized treatment. The initial diagnosis will involve a detailed inspection of the joint to check for swelling, pain, tenderness, and visible bruising. Tests such as X-rays, MRI scan, ultrasound, and computerized tomography (CT) scan may be used to determine the exact cause of pain. Treatment would include various non-surgical options aimed at reducing pain, increasing range of motion, and improve strength: ✓ Physical Therapy - Specialized exercise programs can help reduce pain, improve joint flexibility and strengthen muscle, bone, and cartilage. Multi-specialty health care centers utilize the services of trained physical therapists and chiropractors who recommend therapeutic exercise programs based on the patient’s condition. These would include gentle strengthening, stretching and range-of-motion exercises. ✓ Ice and Heat Application - It includes applying heat and cold compresses to the affected area to reduce pain. Commonly used heat and cold applications are - moist heating packs, dry heating packs, heating pads, ice packs or frozen gel packs. ✓ TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) – Low-voltage electric stimulation administered to the affected part interacts with the sensory nervous system to reduce pain. ✓ Anti-inflammation Medications - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen help reduce swelling. ✓ Game Ready Cold Therapy System –This cold therapy compression system promotes faster and more comfortable recovery from knee pain. ✓ Pain management injections – Joint injection drug treatment deliver steroids into the joints, muscles, ligaments or around nerves to reduce pain. Hyaluronic acid knee injections such as Monovisc and Orthovisc can help replenish lubricating substances in the knee and provide pain
relief. Both these knee injections are viscosupplements that provide knee pain relief, but they differ in the way they are administered. Orthovisc injections – Hyaluronan is a natural chemical found in the joint acts as a lubricant and a shock absorber. People with osteoarthritis may not be enough natural hyaluronan in the joint. Orthovisc injections can help restore the normal levels of hyaluronan. Orthovisc is administered in a series of 3 to 4 intra-articular injections spaced one week apart. Monovisc injections - Monovisc is a single viscosupplement injection. The dosage delivered by this single injection is equivalent to three injections of Orthovisc. With just one injection, Monovisc may provide pain relief that lasts for up to 6 months. These hyaluronic acid knee injection are recommended for treatment of pain in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee when conservative nonpharmacologic therapy and to simple analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen) fail to provide the necessary relief. Managing the symptoms of knee pain requires following a systematic approach. Lifestyle changes combined with effective treatment options can improve joint pain and stiffness. Self-care measures for managing knee pain include: ▪
Weight control - Being overweight can exert additional pressure on the knee joints (which bear the complete weight of your body), causing pain. Excess body fat reduces muscle strength. To shed those excess pounds, combine low impact exercises with a healthy diet plan.
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Exercise – People with knee pain can benefit from low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, stationary training; elliptical machines and water aerobics which enhance joint flexibility and strength.
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Rest – Taking regular breaks from normal activities can reduce strain on the knees.
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Knee braces –Wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage or brace will help decrease swelling.
As knee is the largest joint in the body, which bears the total body weight and provides the essential flexibility required to perform many routine activities, it is important to get a proper diagnosis and effective treatment for knee pain before it get worse. Consult an orthopedic specialist in a reliable NYC healthcare center to learn about your knee pain treatment options and receive the treatment that will work best for you.