Knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life, limiting your mobility and making everyday activities a struggle. While various treatment options exist, many people may prefer to seek drug-free, non-invasive approaches to manage their knee pain instead of medications or surgical procedures. This article explores some natural treatments for knee pain offered by the orthopedic specialists at Boston Orthopaedic & Spine as well as at-home pain relief techniques.
Understanding Knee Pain
Knee pain can arise from various causes, including:
- Injuries: Sprains, strains, and ligament tears can cause sudden and severe knee pain.
- Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disease wears down the cartilage in the knee, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the knee joint can cause pain and tenderness.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint can result in pain and swelling.
Walk away from joint pain.
Natural Approaches to Knee Pain
Several natural treatments can help alleviate knee pain and improve joint function. These include:
Lifestyle Modifications
- Body Composition: Excess weight puts extra stress on the knees. Working to lose excess body weight can significantly reduce pain over time.
- Exercise: Regular exercise strengthens the muscles around the knee, providing support and stability. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking are gentle on the joints and can slowly build muscles without high risk of injury.
- Posture: Maintaining good posture can help distribute weight evenly across the knees, reducing strain. Try regularly checking and correcting your posture at work, in the car, and on the go, or practice holding simple yoga poses at home to help improve your posture.
Home Remedies
Sometimes, acute pains can be relieved at home, or used to manage your pain until you can get treatment from a medical provider. The following techniques are the go-to methods for managing pain at home other than over-the-counter pain relievers.
- RICE: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are essential for managing acute knee pain from injuries.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can relax muscles and reduce stiffness, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation.
If home remedies are no longer helping, or if pain doesn’t subside over the course of several days and your pain is impacting your life, it may be time to see an orthopedic specialist. A provider at Boston Orthopaedic & Spine can assess your condition, provide an accurate diagnosis, and help you understand your treatment options. If you experience consistent knee pain and prefer to explore natural, non-invasive treatment options, a medical provider may discuss iovera° treatment with you.
Natural Knee Pain Treatment iovera°
iovera° is a unique cold therapy treatment that uses targeted cold to relieve pain. It involves delivering focused cold to the nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee. This can provide long-lasting pain relief without the need for surgery or medications.
How iovera° Works
iovera° uses a handheld device to deliver a precise dose of cold to the targeted nerves. The cold numbs the nerves, disrupting their ability to transmit pain signals. This can provide significant pain relief for several months.
Benefits of iovera°
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Long-lasting pain relief
- No downtime required
- Can be used to treat various types of knee pain
Explore Other Knee Treatments
Choosing the Right Treatment
The best treatment for your knee pain will depend on the underlying cause of your pain, its severity, and your individual preferences. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs.
Additional Considerations
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve joint flexibility.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and practicing good posture are crucial for managing knee pain and preventing further damage.
- Surgical Treatment: If you’ve tried other forms of pain relief in the past and your knee pain persists, or if a medical provider determines your condition cannot be resolved by other means, it may be worthwhile to consider surgical treatment such as a joint replacement.
Natural treatments can be effective in managing knee pain and improving joint function. iovera° is an innovative technology that offer targeted pain relief and promote healing. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs. By combining non-invasive approaches with healthy lifestyle habits, you can take control of your knee pain and enjoy an active and fulfilling life.