Without proper treatment, the pain and stiffness caused by knee arthritis can worsen over time and prevent you from doing what you love. But when you think about knee arthritis treatment, you may think about knee replacement surgery.
While many people can benefit from joint replacement, surgery is not the first or only treatment that can help you manage the symptoms that accompany knee arthritis. In fact, there are several non-surgical treatments that can help you feel more comfortable and move with confidence.
From a low-impact exercise plan to joint injections, there are several options that can help you manage knee arthritis symptoms without surgery. Read on to learn six non-surgical treatments for knee arthritis that can help you feel better, and we’ll help you know when to talk to a doctor about your knee arthritis.
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may offer short-term pain relief.
If knee pain caused by arthritis makes it difficult for you to move through the day or do the activities you enjoy, NSAIDs may provide relief. While not a long-term solution, medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can reduce inflammation and help you feel more comfortable for several hours at a time. If you choose to take NSAIDs, be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
2. Maintain a healthy weight by focusing on a diet based on whole foods and plants.
The extra weight can put extra pressure on your knees, which could worsen knee pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. Working to maintain a healthy weight can help reduce knee arthritis symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Eating a whole-food, plant-based diet can help you lose weight while ensuring you get the nutrition you need. If you need help losing weight or keeping it off, talk to a doctor about medical options for weight management.
3. Low-impact exercises can strengthen the leg and improve mobility.
Strengthening the muscles that support the knee (quadriceps and hamstrings) can relieve pressure on the joint and improve mobility. There are many types of low-impact exercises you can do to build strength without hurting your knees, such as biking, swimming, yoga, and walking. Contact your doctor or physical therapist if you have any questions about exercising with knee arthritis or if you would like help developing an exercise program.
4. Hot and cold therapy can help control knee arthritis symptoms
Hot and cold therapy can help reduce the pain and improve the stiffness that accompanies knee arthritis. Both heat and cold can help with symptoms, and you should use whichever gives you the most relief.
- Heat It can help relax muscles, stimulate circulation and increase flexibility. Try using a heat pack or soaking it in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cold can improve swelling and reduce pain. Try using an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes.
Hot and cold therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments. Try adding it before and after your exercise routine to reduce knee pain.
5. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for arthritis.
Physical therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for knee arthritis. It uses hands-on care, specialized exercises, and education to improve your body’s function.
Physical therapists create a personalized exercise plan to target the affected area. With knee arthritis, a physical therapist will use exercises and stretches to build strength and flexibility in the legs. They can also show you how to modify regular activities so you can move comfortably and protect your knees.
6. Injections can help treat knee arthritis
Injectable treatments such as steroids and artificial joint fluid (hyaluronic acid) can reduce pain and stiffness caused by arthritis in the knee. Injections are usually given directly into the knee joint.
Injections usually work for a few months and provide longer-lasting relief compared to NSAIDs or hot and cold therapy, but they do not help permanently. In most cases, they work best when combined with physical therapy or other treatments.
cortisone injections
Cortisone injections, sometimes called steroid injections, are often recommended to help control painful inflammation and swelling of the knee caused by arthritis.
It is important to note that this is not a permanent solution for knee arthritis. Too many cortisone injections can damage the cartilage in the joint. Your doctor will limit the number of rounds of cortisone injections you receive.
Hyaluronic acid injections
The knee joints are surrounded by fluid that keeps them lubricated and acts as a shock absorber. Hyaluronic acid can act as an artificial joint fluid and help lubricate the knee, relieve pain and reduce stiffness to improve function.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP)
Orthobiologics are a type of treatment that promotes healing through the use of substances found naturally in the body. One type of orthobiologics are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and help control arthritis.
PRP contains a high concentration of platelets (a type of cell found in the blood) mixed with white blood cells. This treatment uses cells from your own blood and injects them into damaged joint tissue to enhance your body’s healing.
When to See a Doctor for Knee Arthritis
If knee arthritis symptoms are making it difficult for you to get through the day, it may be time to talk to a doctor. At TRIA, our convenient Minnesota locations make it easy for you to get the orthopedic care you need. We will guide you toward the non-surgical treatment options that best suit your specific needs.
When an injured joint disrupts your daily life, stay close to home and receive TRIA treatment.
