Those suffering from knee pain may be reluctant to see an orthopedic specialist because they feel surgery may be their only solution. This is not always the case, and there are ways to relieve your discomfort without surgical intervention.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bone and joint disease is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and knee pain is the second most common form of chronic pain. Since millions of Americans suffer from knee pain, there are many alternatives to knee surgery that can help reduce or eliminate your discomfort. We’ve collected some of the most common non-surgical treatments below:
cortisone injection
A cortisone injection is a type of steroid injection in which the cortisone hormone is injected into the affected joint. This particular type of steroid will help relieve discomfort and inflammation in your knees, thereby reducing pain. These injections are considered one of the most effective treatments for inflammatory arthritis. On average, patients receive no more than three to four injections per year, and the effects can last up to several months.
viscous supplement
This injection, sometimes called a “cock shot,” directly addresses the root cause of knee pain by replenishing the joint. A natural gel lubricant is injected into the knee to replace lost cartilage. As a result, joint movement and function are enhanced. Not to be confused with cortisone injections, which are considered a more common treatment than viscosupplementation. However, both injections help reduce inflammation, thereby helping people with arthritis.
physical therapy
Rehabilitation medicine is extremely beneficial for improving mobility and joint support. When the muscles and soft tissues of the knee joint are stretched and strengthened, the results can relieve knee pain to a great extent.
Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment
This is another type of injection, but one in which platelet-rich plasma is injected into the knee joint to help relieve pain. Platelets in the blood contain growth factors that, when injected into injured areas, are believed to help the tissue repair itself by assisting the formation of new cells.
support
Knee braces provide external stability to the knee and help relieve discomfort. The purpose of a knee brace is to shift your weight away from the most damaged part of your knee. This means you should be able to travel more comfortably.
