Knee Pain Treatment Options
Knee pain can be debilitating, but there are several options for treatment. Physical therapy is one way to reduce pain and improve flexibility. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, which can help to reduce the pressure on the joint. Other treatment options include knee replacement surgery. Read on to learn more about the different options for knee pain treatment. check Plano Regenerative Medicine Organization
Physical therapy involves exercises to strengthen the muscles and joints around the knee. Some physical therapists also provide medical massage. Both types of physical therapy can help people with knee pain improve their range of motion, reduce pain, and protect against further damage. Physical therapists can help you find the right treatment for your condition.
Treatment options for knee pain depend on the cause of your pain and the location of your symptoms. A history and physical exam can help determine the source of your pain. For example, a person experiencing pain while going upstairs or downstairs may have a problem with their kneecap. A person experiencing pain while squatting or kneeling may have a meniscus tear. An individual who has pain in the inner part of the knee may have rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of joints and other parts of the body.
Injections and physical therapy are two common forms of treatment for knee pain. These procedures work by reducing inflammation and resolving muscle imbalances. While these treatments can help to reduce pain and inflammation, they are not a cure for chronic knee pain. In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary to relieve pain and restore function.
A doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation and pain in the knee joint. The doctor may use ultrasound imaging to target the specific area for injection. Although the results are variable, corticosteroids can often reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Similarly, hyaluronic acid injections can mimic the natural fluid found in the knee and help to reduce inflammation and pain. These injections are effective, but may take several months to show results.
If the pain in the knee persists, physical therapy can be an effective treatment option. It can strengthen the muscles around the knee and help it stay stable. Depending on the type of chronic knee pain, physical therapy can also be administered at home. The goal of physical therapy is to restore full function and mobility of the knee.
Physical examinations are important for the diagnosis of knee pain. Diagnostic imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and blood tests can also help identify the exact cause. Blood tests may also identify gout or infection. A sample of joint fluid may also be removed for laboratory analysis. Once the diagnosis has been made, treatment options will depend on the severity of the knee pain and the underlying cause. Common treatment options include rest, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Other treatments may include cortisone injections.
Other causes of knee pain include patellofemoral pain, which is usually characterized by a dull aching pain in the front of the knee. This pain is usually aggravated by activities such as walking up and down stairs. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including structural abnormalities or imbalances in muscle strength. Treatment for knee pain usually begins gradually, so pain may not occur immediately.