5 Non-Surgical Treatments for Knee Pain

If you're living with knee pain, you know how much it can affect your quality of life. From mild aches and pain to debilitating conditions like osteoarthritis, there are a wide variety of knee problems that can make it hard for you to do your favorite activities or go about your daily life.

Fortunately, there are many non-surgical treatment options that can help reduce or eliminate your symptoms so you can get back to the things you love doing!

Whether your knee pain is caused by an injury or is a symptom of another health condition, here are some tips to help you find relief!

The 5 Best Non-Surgical Treatments for Knee Pain You Should Try Immediately

If you've been managing your knee pain with NSAIDs and other over-the-counter remedies, it may be time to consider trying one of the more effective – and safer – non-surgical treatments.

These treatments are designed to provide long-term pain relief while helping you avoid the potential side effects associated with medications and surgery.

And the best part? You can use them simultaneously with each other to get the fastest results possible!

Here's a look at the five best non-surgical treatments for knee pain you should try immediately...

Exercise and Weight Loss

Although the last thing you probably feel like doing when you have knee pain is exercising, it can be a great way to reduce pain and stiffness and improve mobility without taking medications or undergoing surgery.

In fact, research shows that regular physical activity can strengthen muscles that support the knee joint and reduce pain and inflammation, as well as improve range of motion and overall function.

Plus, losing weight can also help reduce pressure and stress on the joints.

Recent research published in Arthritis & Rhuematology has found that people that are clinically obese are 427% more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than people of a healthy weight. [1]

Bracing

Many types of braces are available to treat different types of knee injuries. They are made of materials that protect the knee joint and help support it during movement. Examples of common knee braces include hinges, supports, sleeves, straps, wraps, and soft devices.

Braces are often used alongside physical therapy and rehabilitation to help patients recover from injury and improve joint function. They can be a great way to support your knee while you participate in certain types of exercise to help build strength and prevent further injury.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy involves the use of various treatments and exercises to improve joint function and flexibility. The goal of physical therapy is to restore the full range of motion to the injured area and strengthen the muscles that support the joint.

Not only that, but a physical therapist can also provide advice on ways to improve your posture in order to reduce stress on the knees and reduce strain on the ligaments and tendons of the knee.

This means it's a great treatment to use alongside exercise and bracing to help reduce your risk of injury and improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Acupuncture

Acupuncturists use needles inserted into specific points in the body to trigger the release of chemicals that help relieve pain and promote healing.

Despite what many people might believe, acupuncture is not painful and can be extremely effective in treating a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, sports injuries, arthritis, and muscle spasms.

According to a review of Acupuncture and Osteoarthritis studies, researchers confirmed that "studies provide evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for pain and physical dysfunction associated with osteoarthritis of the knee." [2]

Red Light Therapy

Of course, we couldn't talk about knee pain without talking about red light therapy!

Red light therapy is a powerful natural remedy that uses low-level light energy to stimulate healing in the body by increasing blood flow and promoting muscle relaxation.

Over 6000 studies have examined the effects of red light therapy on pain, inflammation, and tissue repair, among other health benefits.

In this 2015 study, researchers found that red light therapy in combination with conventional physical therapy can effectively delay the need for joint replacement surgery in patients with knee arthritis. [3]

And with affordable at-home red light therapy devices, anyone can take advantage of this incredible treatment in the comfort of their own home.

How Is Knee Arthritis Treated?

Generally speaking, people with early-stage arthritis who want to avoid total knee replacement are encouraged to stay active by using an exercise program, making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and taking supplements like fish oil, vitamin D, and glucosamine.

These measures can help slow the progression of the disease, relieve pain, and help you maintain independence for as long as possible.

If these measures aren't enough to relieve your arthritis symptoms and stop you from participating in your normal activities, your doctor may recommend other treatments such as medication or surgery, so it's best to talk to your doctor about your options to find the best treatment plan for you.

Should You Avoid Surgery?

Before undergoing any surgical procedure, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your condition and your treatment options so you can make an informed decision about which is best for you.

In general, surgery is only recommended when other options have not worked and if surgery will improve your quality of life and reduce joint pain.

It is important to discuss all options with your doctor to make sure you fully understand the risks and benefits of each option so that you can choose the best option for you.

But in the meantime, why not try one of the treatments mentioned above to help relieve your knee pain and improve your mobility and quality of life?

We hope you've enjoyed this article about how to treat knee pain without surgery!