Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis that most often starts in your lower limbs, particularly the big toe. It’s caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, which may then lead to the development of crystals within the affected joints. Unlike arthritis, bursitis tends to have a sudden and severe onset.
Living with chronic knee pain can be debilitating and affect your quality of life. Whether it’s due to arthritis, injury, or overuse, finding relief is essential for maintaining mobility and overall well-being. Fortunately, there are various therapies available that can help alleviate knee pain and improve function.
Most people can take over-the-counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Don’t take these medications for more than 10 days in a row without talking to your provider or if you have kidney or liver disease. As this exercise gets easier, you can add a 5-pound ankle weight and gradually work up to a heavier weight as you build strength in your legs.
Visit a healthcare provider if you have knee pain all the time, or if the pain is intense enough that you change your daily routine or avoid some of your usual activities. You might not always be able to prevent knee pain, especially if it’s caused by an injury you can’t plan for. You may not be able to prevent arthritis and other health conditions, either. For example, you might feel pain when you’re moving or bending your knee which gets better when you rest. You could feel more pain first thing in the morning when you wake up.
Physical Therapy
You may suffer from severe pain which needs to be managed with the assistance of your medical team and physio will be required to help recover the movement. The period of stay in the hospital may vary depending on the type of surgery. Complete knee replacement needs more care and healing time as compared to partial knee replacement. Physical therapy means you are getting treatment from a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant. At Hinge Health, our members can see their own licensed physical therapist who personalizes and oversees their care plan. Hinge Health physical therapists focus on what we call exercise therapy, or therapeutic exercises.
If your knee pain is due to an injury, surgery, or arthritis, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may help ease the pain while improving your flexibility and range of motion. More than 90% of people who have gone through a knee replacement surgery told that they have a tremendous amount of relief in pain and their ability to walk around. The probability of positive outcomes hinges primarily on elements like the degree of injury, an individual’s general wellbeing, and compliance with recovery and subsequent care. The front of the knee joint is exposed by detaching a portion of the patellar tendon.
Exercises are the primary tool for treating knee pain in physical therapy. Targeted exercises are used to help strengthen and improve the mobility of the knee. You can continue to live your life while you receive shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, bursitis, or tennis elbow instead of setting aside time for a lengthy surgical recovery. Practitioners usually start patients on a trial run of two or three sessions. If there’s no improvement after this point, they’ll help you reevaluate whether this is the right treatment for your condition. Dr. Paul says when you suffer from a knee injury, it can be because the surrounding muscles aren’t strong enough to help offload forces on the knee.
This can cause everyday activities like walking, squatting, or climbing stairs to become quite difficult. Your treatment options will depend on your individual needs. These include your medical history, level of pain, and the impact of OA on your daily life. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause and help you come up with a treatment plan to alleviate pain and other possible symptoms. Injuries from falls and direct blows to the knee may also cause joint pain.
Physical therapy is a common treatment for knee pain that focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, improving flexibility, and reducing inflammation. A skilled physical therapist will create a personalized exercise program tailored to your specific needs and goals. Through consistent sessions and at-home exercises, many patients experience a decrease in pain and an increase in mobility.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can also be beneficial for individuals experiencing knee pain. By targeting tight and tense muscles in the legs and surrounding the knee joint, massage therapists can help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and promote relaxation. This hands-on approach can provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and relieve pain. For individuals with knee pain, acupuncture can help stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Many people find acupuncture to be a safe and effective way to manage knee pain.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding relief for knee pain, exploring different therapy options can be beneficial. Whether you choose physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, or a combination of treatments, working with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan is key. By addressing the root cause of your knee pain and implementing targeted therapies, you can improve your mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance your overall quality of life.
