Did you know that the knee is one of the most common joints to be affected by arthritis?1 Arthritis is a condition that affects thousands of people worldwide and does not discriminate on age or gender.
Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee, making it more challenging to move the joint and hindering mobility. Arthritis develops due to normal wear and tear of the joints over one’s life. It can be debilitating and challenging trying to do everyday activities.
Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate some of the symptoms. Knee arthritis pain can be problematic, but it is possible to find relief and improve your quality of life with the right strategies.
Knowing ways to manage your knee arthritis pain is crucial for relief. A few ways to stay ahead of your pain are:
- Exercise regularly: Joint-friendly exercises are an essential component of managing knee arthritis pain. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking can help improve joint flexibility, reduce pain and inflammation, and increase overall strength.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional strain on your knees, exacerbating arthritis pain. Losing weight can help reduce pressure on your joints and improve your overall health.2
- Use heat and cold therapy: Heat and cold therapy can provide temporary relief from knee arthritis pain. Applying a heating pad or warm towel to the affected area can help reduce stiffness and increase blood flow. Applying an ice pack can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
- Take medication: Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce knee arthritis However, speaking to your doctor before taking any medication is essential, as some can have side effects or interact with other medicines you may be taking.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve the range of motion, assisting in better bending and straightening of the joint. It can also help strengthen the muscle around the arthritic joint, decreasing 3
- Injections: Steroid injections are effective in reducing pain and Relief typically lasts three to four months. Injections can serve as a non-operative way to help manage knee arthritis pain.
You can manage knee arthritis pain with the right strategies and treatments. It might be hard to motivate yourself while in pain, but movement is critical in improving and managing your arthritis pain.
Dr. Nicholas Frisch and his team at FrischOrtho can find the proper pain management treatment for you and make it possible to find relief and improve your quality of life.
Dr. Frisch is a specialist orthopedic surgeon focusing on minimally invasive hip and knee joint replacement as well as complex primary and revision surgery. He believes in creating a personalized experience with the highest level of service. For all appointments & inquiries, please contact our offices located in Rochester and River District, MI.
1. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/osteoarthritis-of-the-knee
3. https://www.arthritis-health.com/blog/why-should-you-have-physical-therapy-arthritis
