Knee Arthritis Treatment Options

knee diagram showing inside of knee

Living with knee arthritis can be really tough, making everyday to-do’s more complicated than usual. But the good news is there are different ways to improve your pain. From pills that help with pain to special injections for your knees and even a freezing treatment called cryotherapy – we’ve got it all covered in this guide!

Let’s dive in and explore these options to find what might work best for making your knees feel better.

Painkillers for Arthritis Knee Pain

Living with arthritis knee pain can be daunting and the pain sometimes feels excruciating and unbearable. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to treatment, but various painkillers can offer temporary relief

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen help reduce inflammation, but it’s crucial to use them responsibly to avoid side effects like stomach ulcers. 
  • Opioids are strong pain relievers, but they can be addictive and have side effects, so it’s important to use them under a doctor’s guidance. 
  • Topical pain relievers, like creams and patches, can temporarily relieve mild to moderate pain.
  • Corticosteroid injections can reduce swelling and pain for a few months, but their use should be monitored to prevent joint harm. 

Longer-lasting and more effective treatments include:


Hyaluronic Acid and Viscosupplementation Knee Injections

If your joints are giving you trouble, there is a non-surgical, highly effective pain-relieving treatment: hyaluronic acid, also known as viscosupplementation knee injections. It’s like a magic potion for people with joint problems, especially osteoarthritis.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in our bodies, like a joint lubricant and cushion. It makes our movements smooth and pain-free by reducing friction between our bones. Think of it as the natural ‘oil’ that keeps our joints working smoothly.

Viscosupplementation injections use hyaluronic acid to target knee problems. They add more of this magic acid to the joint, increasing lubrication and reducing pain. The extra cushioning helps take away any bone-on-bone grinding sensation and often prevents further deterioration of your knees.

These treatments are a big help for osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage in the knee joints wear down. Viscosupplementation injections replenish hyaluronic acid, restoring balance in the joint and making movement easier.

The injections may sound a bit scary, but they’re done by trained doctors who know their stuff. Our doctors at Arthritis Knee Pain Centers perform this treatment every day, and even celebrities, like retired hall-of-fame golfer Lee Trevino, get the treatment done.

Lee Trevino Gets His Knees Injected with FDA-approved gel

After receiving the treatment, we advise you to take it easy for the day, but then we recommend you do some exercises to keep things in top shape.

While these treatments work wonders for thousands of individuals, it’s smart to chat with your doctor about the pros and cons. They can guide you on what’s best for your situation. And if you’re dealing with knee pain, the Arthritis Knee Pain Centers might be your go-to place for relief.

We use a special gel approved by the FDA, and all of our injections are done with a fluoroscopy machine, which means they are visually-guided and we can guarantee the gel gets to the right place in the knee.

It’s helped lots of folks get back to an active and comfy life. So, if you want to kick joint pain to the curb, give them a shout!


Cryotherapy for Knee Pain and Arthritis Knee Pain

Got knee pain? Cryotherapy for knee might be the chilly answer you’ve been looking for. Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, tackles knee discomfort, especially for those grappling with arthritis. How? Well, it’s all about using extreme cold to kick inflammation and swelling to the curb around your knee joint. Imagine it as a mini ice age for your knee troubles.

Different Types of Cryotherapy for Knee Pain:

  • Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC): Ever wanted to feel like an ice queen or king? WBC is your ticket. You hop into a freezing chamber, endure a few minutes of frosty temps (as low as -200°F), and voila! It’s like a winter wonderland for your whole body, helping with muscle soreness, arthritis, and, you guessed it, knee pain.
  • Localized Cryotherapy: Sometimes, you don’t need a full-body freeze. Localized cryotherapy targets specific pain points, like your knees. Picture it as a cozy, chilling hug for your sore joints. So, if knee pain is your foe, this might be your superhero sidekick.
  • Ice Bath Therapy: Dive into icy waters for a refreshing and revitalizing experience. Loved by athletes and wellness enthusiasts, ice baths don’t just aid physical recovery; they’re a mental pick-me-up too. And yes, they can be a cool remedy for knee pain.
  • DIY Cryotherapy at Home: No fancy chambers? No problem! Grab a bag of frozen peas or an ice pack, and you’ve got your homemade icy oasis. Simple, accessible, and perfect for knee pain relief. Just remember: safety first. Follow the rules, don’t over-chill, and wrap that ice pack in a thin cloth to avoid frostbite.

Is Ice or Heat Better for Arthritis Knee Pain?

Dealing with knee pain from arthritis? Wondering if ice or heat is better for relief? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Ice, or cryotherapy, is like a frosty hug for your achy knees. It helps by reducing swelling and numbing the pain. If your knees act up, applying ice can be a soothing balm, especially in the morning when stiffness kicks in.

Now, imagine the warmth of a heating pad on your knee, or full immersion in a hot tub – that’s heat therapy. It relaxes muscles, enhances blood flow, and eases stiffness. It’s like a comforting hug for your knees, helping them feel better and more flexible.

But here’s the thing: everyone’s different. Some folks like ice, some prefer heat, and some find relief using both. It’s like choosing your warrior in the battle against arthritis pain.

Whether you go for the icy chill or the cozy warmth, always check with a healthcare pro before starting any treatment. They’re like your pain-fighting sidekick, guiding you on the best way to tackle knee discomfort.

At Arthritis Knee Pain Centers, we’ve helped more than 50,000 individuals find better mobility through knee pain relief. We have a variety of treatment modalities and only a few were mentioned in this article. Watch the video below to learn more about other treatments we offer as part of a comprehensive plan to get our patients back to living pain-free lives.

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Knee Pain Relief: Non-Surgical Pain Treatment Methods Explained

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