Refer to this article for all information regarding treatment options for the knee.
Our objective at Texas Pain Care is to provide comprehensive and useful information.
If you suffer from chronic knee pain, there are many treatment options to return to daily pain-free life. Sometimes, typical daily activities can lead to long-term effects on the knee including climbing stairs, running, and daily use. If you suffer from chronic knee pain, there are many surgical and non-surgical treatment options available to find relief from chronic knee pain.
Before diving into treatment options, it’s essential to understand the common causes of knee pain. These include:
Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that wears down the cartilage in the knee, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints, including the knees.
Injuries: Such as ligament tears (e.g., ACL or MCL), meniscus tears, and fractures. Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, often from overuse.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, often from overuse.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Pain around the kneecap, often due to misalignment or overuse.
While there are many treatments for chronic knee pain, many may find that non-surgical treatment options are ideal for their lifestyle. Non-surgical treatments often focus on reducing pain, improving function, and slowing the progression of underlying conditions.
1. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for knee pain. A physical therapist will develop a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and increase the range of motion. This not only helps reduce pain but also prevents further injury by stabilizing the joint.
2. Medications
3. Lifestyle Modifications
Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact knee pain. Weight management is crucial, as excess weight puts additional stress on the knee joints. Losing weight can reduce pain and improve mobility. Additionally, modifying activities that exacerbate knee pain, such as high-impact sports, can help manage symptoms.
4. Bracing and Orthotics
Knee braces and orthotic devices can provide support and relieve pressure on the knee joint. They are particularly helpful for individuals with osteoarthritis or ligament injuries. These devices help stabilize the knee and prevent further damage.
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When non-surgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief, or when the knee damage is severe, surgical intervention may be necessary. Several surgical options are available, depending on the specific condition causing the knee pain.
1. Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows the surgeon to view and repair damage inside the knee joint. Small incisions are made around the knee, and a tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted to guide the procedure. Arthroscopy is commonly used to treat meniscus tears, remove loose cartilage, or repair damaged ligaments.
2. Partial Knee Replacement
For patients with localized knee arthritis, a partial knee replacement (also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty) may be an option. This procedure involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee, preserving as much of the natural joint as possible. It’s less invasive than a total knee replacement and typically has a shorter recovery time.
3. Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement (TKR), or total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis). This surgery is often recommended for patients with severe osteoarthritis or other conditions that have not responded to non-surgical treatments. While TKR is a major surgery, it is highly effective at relieving pain and restoring function in severely damaged knees.
4. Osteotomy
Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping the bones around the knee to relieve pressure on the joint. It is often used for younger patients with knee pain due to misalignment or early-stage arthritis. By redistributing weight away from the damaged part of the knee, osteotomy can delay the need for a knee replacement.
5. Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses heat to disrupt nerve function. After confirming that the genicular nerves are the pain source using a nerve block, you can opt for RFA. This treatment involves inserting a needle close to the nerve and delivering radiofrequency energy, creating heat to destroy the nerve tissue. This process stops the nerve from sending pain signals to the brain.
6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) involves implanting a small device near the genicular nerves. The device sends electrical impulses to the nerves, altering the pain signals and providing relief. PNS can be considered when nerve blocks offer temporary relief, but longer-lasting solutions are needed.
Selecting the appropriate treatment for chronic knee pain depends on various factors, including the patient’s medical history, the severity of pain, and the response to non-surgical options. Surgical treatment options may be suitable for patients seeking long-term pain relief.
Struggling with chronic knee pain? At Texas Pain Care, we offer minimally invasive non-surgical and surgical pain relief options. Contact us or schedule an online consultation today.
We’re here to help! Visit our pain management clinic at 3550 FM 1092 Rd Suite A, Missouri City, TX 77459, or contact us today to explore our treatment options.
Don’t let Knee Treatment Options pain hold you back—our team at Texas Pain Care is dedicated to finding the right solution for you. We proudly serve patients in Texas, Houston TX, Sugar Land TX, Missouri City TX. Call us today to start your journey toward relief!
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