As we age, it's not uncommon to experience aches and pains in our joints, particularly in the knees. Knee pain can impact our mobility, limit our activities, and impact our overall quality of life. But before you consider surgery, there are many non-surgical approaches to ease knee pain.
6 ways to ease knee pain without surgery:
- Lose Weight: Excess weight puts more pressure on the knees, leading to pain and inflammation. Losing weight can help reduce knee pain and improve mobility. We can help you identify the foods that may be causing your joint pain to flare up.
- Exercise: Low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, and walking can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, reducing pressure on the joint and decreasing pain. The trouble that most people have is that knee pain increases when they move. If that's you, exercise may not be the best option.
- Physical Therapy: For those who have mild knee pain, a physical therapist can help you develop a customized exercise plan to reduce knee pain, improve range of motion, and increase flexibility. However, for people who suffer with bone on bone knee pain, other treatment options may be more appropriate.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can help reduce knee pain. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication. It's also not something you want to keep taking. Your body has pain because it's a warning sign that there is a problem that needs to be corrected.
- Bracing: Knee braces such as sleeves or unloader braces can provide additional support and help stabilize the joint, thus reducing pain and inflammation. They aren't for everyone, but can make a big difference for many people.
- Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes such as avoiding high impact activities, using proper footwear, and using assistive devices such as canes or walkers can also help reduce knee pain.
While knee pain can be frustrating and impact your quality of life, surgery should always be the last resort. By implementing these non-surgical approaches, you can try to reduce knee pain, improve mobility, and improve your overall quality of life. If that doesn't work, give us a call and we can help you get relief with our "Life Without Joint Pain" program. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
