Chronic knee pain can be debilitating and significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to help manage and alleviate this condition.
In addition to being habit-forming, other potential side effects of opioid analgesics include constipation, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, and slowed breathing. NSAIDs can also be helpful in treating the pain from muscle strains; however, they may interfere with tendon healing and should be used with caution in these circumstances. Exercise directly decreases the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, obesity, and osteoporosis. Common problems include bone fractures, dislocated kneecaps, and torn ligaments. Tendons are the connective tissues that attach the muscles in the leg to the bones they control.
There’s no need to suffer through chronic knee pain, especially when the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania’s physicians are here to help. While surgery may end up being the best option, it is never the first one we suggest. We opt instead to work with each patient to find non-invasive ways to treat chronic pain. Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles around the painful area of the knee, which helps make it stable. Depending on the cause of your chronic knee pain, you may be prescribed physical therapy or just physical exercise to perform on your own at home. Have you considered physical therapy to help with your chronic knee pain?
Our expert, multi-disciplinary team uses innovative techniques and a collaborative approach to treat these complex cases. If you have arthritis of the knee, our team can develop a plan of treatment that can keep you active and limit the progress of the condition. Doctors typically begin with less invasive treatments before considering other options, such as surgery.
To understand the causes of pain that radiates from the hips down the legs, it’s important to first understand the joints in this area of the body. Hip pain that radiates down the leg can occur due to many causes, such as sciatica, arthritis, bursitis, labral tear, greater trochanter pain syndrome, endometriosis, and more. If your symptoms worsen during certain activities or when laying down, this could be an indication to the cause of the pain.
Physical Therapy
The 2018 trial by Davis et al is the largest study and was also the first to employ CRFA.31 Similar to the Qudsi-Sinclair and Choi trials, the SM, SL, and IM genicular nerves were targeted. One hundred and fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria and were randomized to receive either CRFA or intra-articular steroid (IAS) injection. CRFA was performed under fluoroscopic guidance with 17-gage introducers at 60°C for 150 seconds. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients achieving at least 50% pain reduction at 6 month follow-up as measured by a NRS. Secondary outcome measures included function measured on OKS, patient’s overall perception of the treatment, and analgesic usage. Pain relief with CRFA was superior to that obtained with IAS at all time periods, and at 6 month follow- up 74% of the CRFA group had at least 50% relief compared to just 16% of the IAS group.
One of the most common treatments for chronic knee pain is physical therapy. A physical therapist can work with patients to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected knee. This can help reduce pain and improve overall function.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage chronic knee pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In more severe cases, opioid medications may be prescribed for short-term pain relief.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections can be used to help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from chronic knee pain. Hyaluronic acid injections may also be recommended to help lubricate the knee joint and reduce pain.
Surgery
In cases where conservative treatments have been ineffective, surgery may be necessary to address chronic knee pain. Procedures such as arthroscopic surgery, partial or total knee replacement, or realignment surgery may be recommended depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
Alternative Therapies
Some individuals may find relief from chronic knee pain through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy. While not always a primary treatment option, these therapies can sometimes provide additional relief when used in conjunction with other treatments.
Conclusion
Overall, there are various effective treatment options available for individuals suffering from chronic knee pain. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action based on the underlying cause of the pain and individual needs and preferences.
