Knee pain can slowly change the way you live your life. You may start avoiding stairs, walking less far, or pausing before getting up from a low seated position. When the discomfort keeps recurring, it’s natural to wonder if surgery will be needed eventually.
But not everyone with chronic knee pain requires surgery. There are many nonsurgical treatments available for a range of conditions affecting the knee, including osteoarthritis, which can help relieve pain, increase mobility and facilitate day-to-day activities.
The best approach depends on what’s contributing to your pain, how severe your signs are and how much they’re impacting your daily life.
Why Does Knee Pain Develop?
Not every knee pain starts with a visible injury. Sometimes it develops slowly due to changes in the joint, muscle weakness or repeated physical strain. One frequent cause is osteoarthritis, especially in middle-aged and older adults. This is a change in the cartilage, bone and other tissues that make up the joint. Such changes can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty with comfortable movement. But knee pain can also be caused by ligament injuries, meniscus problems, tendon issues or inflammatory arthritis. Finding the cause is a crucial initial step, as different conditions need different treatments.
Does Knee Osteoarthritis Always Require Surgery?
Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis does not mean you will certainly need surgery. Many people deal with their symptoms for many years through exercise and changes in their living habits as well as effective medical treatment. The degree of changes seen on imaging does not always correlate with the pain level. For example, there may be a person with significant changes on the joint but mild symptoms. There may also be another person with significant pain level but with less changes detected on imaging. Thus, treatment options should be based on the pain level, the level of mobility of the patient, and daily activities as opposed to solely imaging results.
Can Exercise Actually Help Painful Knees?
When you experience pain in your knees, avoiding exercise may seem like the safest option. However, effective movement is the best way to treat knee osteoarthritis. Strengthening the muscles around your knee also serves to support the joint during daily activities. Exercises that focus on the quadriceps, hamstring muscles, and muscles of the hip will improve stability and functionality. Low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling, or swimming will help maintain mobility. It is important to select exercises appropriate to your ability level. There may be some level of discomfort when starting a new exercise program, but it is important to pay attention to any serious or worsening pain. A physical therapist can help ensure that you increase your strength without putting unnecessary pressure or strain on your knees.
What Is OA Therapy, and How Can It Help?
Generally speaking, OA therapy is any treatment meant to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and improve joint functioning. This type of therapy is not only about getting pain relief. Comprehensive OA management works on the overall movement, fitness, physical activity, and everyday life.
Physical exercise therapy is an important part of OA treatment. A physiotherapist assesses your walking and any other movements, including climbing stairs and bending. According to the assessment, the physiotherapist can suggest some exercises to improve your strength, flexibility, and confidence in moving.
Can Small Lifestyle Changes Make a Difference?
There are many ways to cope with knee pain aside from during therapy sessions. Making minor changes can reduce discomfort during certain tasks. For instance, frequent breaks from prolonged sitting may help to combat stiffness. Wearing proper shoes, pacing exhausting assignments, and eliminating abrupt changes in activity level can also be effective. On the other hand, taking a break from big workloads and physical strain can play a helpful role, and on the other hand, inactivity can also aggravate stiffness and weakness. Assistive devices or appropriate knee braces can help as well. To find out more, consult your physiotherapist.
When Should You Consider Surgery?
While non-surgical option may help alleviate symptoms, it may not work for everybody. If your pain does not respond to treatment, limits essential activities, disrupts sleeping patterns, and causes a significant impact on quality of life, you may be referred for a surgical procedure by an orthopedic expert. Similarly, knee replacement surgery may be helpful for patients with severe knee osteoarthritis who get appropriate evaluation. Surgical procedures require recovery period and rehabilitation, and there are risks of complications. The decision regarding surgical procedure should be taken according to symptoms, medical history, health state, and individual goals of the patient. Seek immediate medical attention in case of sudden knee swelling, redness, or heat, especially if accompanied by fever or in case of inability to walk.