Common conditions treated here at Surecure Physical Therapy:
A possible solution to chronic, daily knee pain that does not include injections, painkillers, or the use of a brace or support system is shown here.
If you suffer from excruciating or aching knees, it is easy to assume that “knee pain is a normal part of getting older,” “wear and tear” is the cause, or that the issue is minor and will resolve itself.
You are uncertain as to the cause of the knee discomfort you are experiencing, but it does not appear to be improving!
If you are experiencing this, know that you are not alone; we frequently hear accounts of this nature. Knee pain is, in fact, one of the most frequently encountered issues in our physical therapy clinic.
Have you experienced this?
An additional situation that arises in our physical therapy clinic is when individuals visit their physician, who, in good faith, advises them to “rest,” “try these painkillers,” or “return in six weeks if the condition does not improve.” However, six weeks later, they return to the same physician because the condition has not improved. ANOTHER prescription for even more potent drugs, possibly an injection, and possibly a knee brace.
In reality, these are all symptom-relieving remedies that do little to address the underlying issue. Because, let’s face it, the knee pain will return immediately if those pain medications are not taken. This is occasionally the appropriate course of action to pursue when all other options have been exhausted. In many cases, this is not the case, and it ought to be addressed only as a last resort prior to pursuing more invasive treatments. The majority of clinicians are adept at avoiding this and opting for a more conservative approach. If they do not, it is beneficial to discuss with them during your visit to the office the potential benefits of conservative treatments like physical therapy.
- You anticipated that it would resolve itself; however, it did not.
- You visited a physician, who advised rest and pain medication; however, the drugs were ineffective. They merely “maskified” the pain, and as soon as the mask was removed, knee agony once more halted you in your tracks.
- Friends or family members informed you that knee pain is a normal part of aging, so you simply accepted it.
- You have previously consulted other healthcare professionals or a physical therapist for assistance, but their words and deeds appeared to be ineffective.
- Struggled with the use of knee supports, but they have been ineffective in alleviating the discomfort.
- You reasoned that resting would be a good idea due to the severe pain and edema in your knees, but the discomfort persists daily.
- You attempted a few exercises from “YouTube,” but they were excruciatingly agonizing and offered no relief.
Here are tips to manage knee pain
Wear the right shoes – Shoes that have good support and cushioning can help protect your knees from the impact of walking or running. Avoid high heels, which can put extra pressure on your knees. Right shoes can absorb the shock and create less pressure on the knees. Wearing proper shoes can not only help you with knee joints but also with your back and other joints as well.
Check vitamin D levels – A lack of vitamin D can lead to joint pain. In the winter months, many older adults don`t leave the house more often. Lack of sun exposure can cause vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays a vital role in bones and muscles. If you think you may be deficient, ask your doctor to test your levels.
Regular strengthening & stretching exercise: For people with knee osteoarthritis, exercise is key to maintaining strength and flexibility. Regular strengthening and stretching programs can help reduce stiffness, pain, and fatigue. Regular exercise can replenish lubrication to joint cartilage which reduces stiffness. Also, regular stretching exercises can help to improve muscle length and allow joints to move better. That can reduce the risk of injury on the knee joint as well. Three stretching you want to include in your routine for knee pain, hamstring, quads, and IT band. There are so many different ways to stretch muscles but find your comfortable position and do regular stretching.
Weight loss: Losing weight can take pressure off your knees. If you`re overweight or obese, that can put extra pressure on joints. Even losing a small amount of weight can help relieve pressure on your knees. A most common excuse is that if my knee hurts I can not do my regular exercise but there are so many different ways of doing exercise or staying active without affecting knee pain. You can talk with a physical therapist and they can help you to design a specific program that can help you not only with knee pain but also to reduce weight.
How physical therapy can help your knee pain and stiffness:
Physical therapy is a great way to help reduce knee pain and stiffness. Therapists can prescribe exercises that will help stretch and strengthen the muscles around your knee. They can also give you tips on how to properly walk and move in order to put less stress on your joints. If you are experiencing significant knee pain or stiffness, physical therapy may design a specific program for you that customizes your body type and abilities.
Manual therapy like joint mobilization, cupping therapy, and dry needles are some of the best courses of treatment for knee pain and stiffness. They are very effective in breaking up the adhesions and improving joint range of motion.
A dry Needle is also a great treatment for knee pain and stiffness. It helps to improve blood circulation, which will help to bring nutrients and oxygen to the tissues that need it most. This can help to reduce inflammation and pain.