Knee Pain

To address the underlying causes of your knee pain, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may recommend medication.

Strengthening the muscles around your knee can improve its stability. Based on the specific condition causing your pain, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or various strengthening exercises.

If you are active in sports or physical activities, you may need exercises to improve your technique and adjust movement patterns that could be damaging your knees. Additionally, exercises to enhance your balance and flexibility are important.

Arch supports, sometimes with wedges on one side of the heel, can help relieve pressure from the side of the knee most affected by osteoarthritis. In certain cases, different types of braces may be used to support and protect the knee joint.

Exercise therapy, including activities like yoga, walking, swimming, and weight training, allows patients to manage the impact of pain on their lives and encourages active participation in their care plan. It can address problems such as weakness, poor posture, and repetitive motions that contribute to musculoskeletal pain.

In certain situations, your doctor might recommend injecting medications or other substances directly into your joint. Here are a few examples:

• Corticosteroids: Injecting corticosteroid medication into your knee joint can help reduce the symptoms of an arthritis flare-up and provide temporary pain relief. However, these injections may not be effective for every case.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid, a thick fluid similar to the natural lubricant in your joints, can be injected into the knee to improve mobility and decrease pain. Although studies on its effectiveness have been mixed, a single injection or a series of injections may offer relief for up to six months.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP, which contains concentrated growth factors, may help reduce inflammation and promote healing. While some studies suggest that PRP can benefit patients with osteoarthritis, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Surgery isn’t always necessary right away if you have an injury that might require it. Before making a decision, consider the pros and cons of both surgical and nonsurgical options based on your priorities. If you choose to pursue surgery, your options may include:

– **Arthroscopy:** Depending on the nature of your injury, your doctor might use a fiber-optic camera and long, narrow tools inserted through small incisions around your knee to evaluate and repair joint damage. Arthroscopy can be used to reconstruct torn ligaments, remove loose fragments from the knee joint, and repair or replace damaged cartilage, especially if it’s causing the knee to lock.

– **Partial Knee Replacement:** In this procedure, only the damaged part of your knee is replaced with plastic and metal components. This is often done through small incisions, which can lead to a faster recovery compared to a full knee replacement.

– **Total Knee Replacement:** This surgery involves removing the kneecap, shinbone, and thighbone along with any damaged bone and cartilage to make way for an artificial joint made of polymers, metal alloys, and high-quality plastics.

– **Osteotomy:** To improve knee alignment and alleviate arthritic symptoms, bone may be removed from the shinbone or thighbone. This procedure might help delay or avoid the need for a total knee replacement.