Knee pain can stem from various causes, such as injuries, arthritis, or repetitive stress. This discomfort may limit your daily activities, whether you’re walking or simply standing up. Here are some effective strategies for managing knee pain:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a structured approach to managing knee pain through movement and exercise. It usually starts with a thorough assessment of your knee’s strength, flexibility, and overall function. A physical therapist then guides you through exercises designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, such as the quadriceps and calf muscles. This added support for the joint may help alleviate strain and prevent additional injury.
Therapy also focuses on improving your range of motion and flexibility, which might have been lost due to pain or stiffness. Gentle stretches and balance exercises help you regain control over knee movement. Your therapist will create a personalized plan tailored to your specific condition and goals; it might include techniques like manual therapy or taping to relieve discomfort. Teaching you movements to perform at home helps you continue progress between sessions and supports long-term knee health.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue. It is a non-invasive procedure that involves directing light energy at the affected area of the knee. The purpose is to stimulate cellular activity and encourage the body’s natural healing processes within the joint.
Treatments are generally quick and do not require anesthesia or downtime. The laser device is moved over the targeted region, allowing the light to penetrate deep into the tissue. This method is often used alongside other therapies such as physical therapy or medication.
People receiving cold laser therapy often report little to no discomfort during the procedure, making it a practical option for those sensitive to pain or looking to avoid invasive treatments. The number of sessions varies depending on the severity and underlying cause of your knee pain. A healthcare provider trained in cold laser therapy can discuss the treatment’s suitability and will monitor your response over time.
Knee Injections
Knee injections are administered directly into the knee joint to address specific symptoms. There are several types of injections, and a healthcare provider will use an evaluation to determine which injection type might be appropriate for your situation. Some options include:
- Corticosteroid injections: These are used to reduce inflammation and offer temporary pain relief, especially for those with arthritis or severe swelling.
- Hyaluronic acid injections: Also called viscosupplementation, these provide extra lubrication to the joint, mimicking the natural fluid found in healthy knees. This may help the bones move smoothly and support comfort during movement.
- Platelet-rich plasma: PRP injections rely on a concentration of your own platelets to support the body’s healing abilities by promoting tissue repair in the joint.
Cartilage Restoration
When knee pain is caused by damaged cartilage, surgical procedures for cartilage restoration may be an option. These techniques aim to repair or replace the damaged cartilage to improve joint function and reduce pain. One method is microfracture, where small holes are created in the bone to encourage new cartilage growth from underlying bone marrow. Other procedures involve transplanting healthy cartilage from another part of your knee to fill the damaged area. These procedures are typically more involved and are suitable for specific types of cartilage injuries, such as those resulting from trauma rather than age-related degeneration. Recovery may take several months, and physical therapy often plays a key role in regaining function after surgery.
Visit a Doctor for Knee Pain
Navigating management options for knee pain begins with a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. A doctor can accurately identify the source of your discomfort by reviewing your medical history, conducting a physical examination, and ordering imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI if needed. A detailed assessment allows them to develop a management plan suited to your needs, which may include physical therapy, knee injections, or a combination of treatments. Contact an orthopedic clinic today to schedule an appointment.