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5 Reasons Why Your Knee Hurts: Strategies for Relief and Recovery

Updated: Nov 27, 2023

Strategies for Relief and Recovery

By: Doug Bouldin, FNP-C


Knee pain is a prevalent issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it is due to an injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions, knee pain can be debilitating and interfere with your daily activities. The good news is that many effective treatments and strategies are available to alleviate knee pain and promote recovery without having to resort to surgical intervention. In this blog, we will explore the various causes of knee pain and the approaches to treat and manage it.


Common Causes of Knee Pain

Before delving into treatment options, it is essential to understand the root causes of knee pain. Common causes include:

1. Injuries: Traumatic injuries, such as ligament tears, meniscus tears, and fractures, can lead to acute knee

pain.

2. Overuse: Repetitive strain on the knee joint from activities like running, jumping, or kneeling can lead to

overuse injuries, such as patellofemoral pain syndrome.

3. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory joint conditions can cause chronic knee pain.

4. Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, like patellar tendinitis or iliotibial band syndrome, can lead to discomfort and pain.

5. Meniscus Tears: Tears in the meniscus, which are rubbery cartilage pads that act as shock absorbers in the knee, can be painful.


Treatment Options for Knee Pain

The treatment of knee pain depends on its underlying cause, severity, and individual factors. Here are various approaches to consider:

1. Rest and Activity Modification: For mild knee pain caused by overuse or minor injuries, rest and modifying activities can help the knee heal naturally. Avoid activities that worsen the pain.

2. Physical Rehab: DB2’s rehab department can develop personalized exercise programs to improve

strength, flexibility, and stability in the knee joint.

3. Medications: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or topical diclofenac can provide short-term relief. For chronic pain due to arthritis, prescription medications may be necessary.

4. RICE Protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) is an effective approach for managing acute injuries. Applying ice and using compression can reduce swelling and pain.

5. Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief for inflammatory conditions, but they are a temporary solution and if used too often they can degrade bone. Hyaluronic acid injections can help lubricate the joint in cases of osteoarthritis. PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and Cellular therapy (Stem Cell) injections are two of the most cutting-edge injections that have the potential to reduce inflammation and restore functional ability of the knee(s). They are a safe and effective alternative to Steroid or other injections but must be delivered by skilled and experienced medical professionals.

6. Bracing and Support: Knee braces or sleeves can provide stability and support for injured or arthritic

knees.

7. Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options may be considered. These include arthroscopy to repair or

remove damaged tissues, ligament reconstruction, or even knee replacement for advanced arthritis.

8. Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and avoiding high-impact

activities can reduce the risk of knee pain and its progression.

9. Alternative Therapies: Some people find relief from knee pain through alternative therapies like

acupuncture, chiropractic care, or herbal supplements. Consult with a healthcare professional before trying these approaches.



Preventing Knee Pain


Prevention is always the best approach. To reduce the risk of knee pain:

 Warm up before exercise and stretch regularly.  Wear appropriate footwear and use proper form during physical activities.  Strengthen the muscles around your knee, including the quadriceps and hamstrings.

 Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joints.  Listen to your body and do not push through pain.


Knee pain can be a challenging condition to deal with, at DB2 we offer the most effective non-surgical treatment options available today. If you have been suffering Knee Pain for days, weeks or years it is essential to consult with an experienced and skilled healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. By following these strategies and making lifestyle changes to support your knee health, you can reduce pain and improve your overall quality of life. Call DB2 Regeneration today at (636) 265-2822, let us reduce your pain, transform your life and restore your hope. Remember, the road to recovery may take time, so be patient and diligent in your efforts to regain knee health and mobility.


Reference List


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Setayesh K, Villarreal A, Gottschalk A, Tokish JM, Choate WS. Treatment of Muscle Injuries with Platelet-Rich Plasma: a Review of the Literature. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2018 Dec;11(4):635-642. doi: 10.1007/s12178-018-9526-8. PMID: 30343400; PMCID: PMC6220013.


A Hamid MS, Mohamed Ali MR, Yusof A, George J, Lee LP. Platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of hamstring injuries: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Sports Med. 2014 Oct;42(10):2410-8. doi: 10.1177/0363546514541540. Epub 2014 Jul 29. Erratum in: Am J Sports Med. 2015 May;43(5):NP13. PMID: 25073598.


Rahimzadeh P, Imani F, Faiz SHR, Entezary SR, Zamanabadi MN, Alebouyeh MR. The effects of injecting intra-articular platelet-rich plasma or prolotherapy on pain score and function in knee osteoarthritis. Clin Interv Aging. 2018;13:73-79 https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S147757


Cheng J, Santiago KA, Nguyen JT, Solomon JL, Lutz GE. Treatment of symptomatic degenerative intervertebral discs with autologous platelet-rich plasma: follow-up at 5-9 years. Regen Med. 2019 Sep;14(9):831-840. doi: 10.2217/rme-2019-0040. Epub 2019 Aug 29. PMID: 31464577; PMCID: PMC6770415.


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