The knee is one of the most complex and versatile joints in the body. It can be susceptible to damage and pain from repetitive stress, injury or disease.

Ice and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce swelling and help relieve pain. Some people find relief with complementary therapies like massage, biofeedback and acupuncture.

Injections are one of the treatment options available for patients experiencing knee pain. Licensed physicians will inject the affected area with a substance such as dextrose (sugar) or hyaluronic acid, a chemical found in the normal knee fluid that can help to reduce inflammation and stimulate new ligament fiber growth.

Typically, the injection will relieve pain within two to seven days and enable patients to participate in physical therapy. Injections can be repeated if necessary to provide ongoing pain relief, however, more frequent injections can cause the cartilage in the knee to thin and weaken tendons and ligaments.

Depending on the type of injection used, the doctor may use live X-ray or ultrasound to guide the needle into the appropriate location in the knee. The injection site may be sore for a few hours after the procedure, but it is generally a quick and comfortable process. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks after the injection to allow the knee time to heal.

Depending on the extent of your knee pain and medical history, physical therapy may be an effective non-surgical means to improve function and alleviate your symptoms. For conditions like mild to moderate osteoarthritis, PT can help delay or prevent surgical intervention. Engaging the services of a Los Angeles specialist in Knee Pain Relief is crucial for a successful recovery from knee injuries. It is imperative to select a practitioner who possesses significant expertise and training in the most up-to-date methods and approaches.

Your therapist will develop a customized treatment plan for you that focuses on the pain, swelling and stiffness you are experiencing. During a session, the therapist will use techniques such as massage and manipulation to loosen tight muscles and ligaments in your knee. They will also teach you exercises to improve your flexibility, strength, balance and coordination.

Your therapist will also address issues in your hips that can contribute to knee pain. Tight hip flexor muscles and weak gluteus medius muscle can cause the knee to rotate inward too much, leading to problems such as iliotibial band friction syndrome and patellofemoral stress syndrome. Your therapist will help you strengthen these muscles and learn ways to reduce over-rotation of your knees during activity.

Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help ease pain in some people. But it doesn’t reduce inflammation, and can cause liver problems if taken in excess. Other NSAIDs, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) help with both pain and swelling. But they also can cause stomach ulcers, holes in the intestine, and increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Your doctor can give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory medicine called corticosteroids to lower the inflammation and relieve the pain. But you can only get this type of injection three or four times a year.

Another injection is hyaluronic acid, which acts like the fluid that lubricates your joints and can help with knee pain caused by arthritis or injury. But the ACR/AF guidelines don’t recommend this treatment because evidence is limited. PRP and stem cell therapy use a concentrated version of your blood that contains natural chemicals that may decrease inflammation and speed healing.

If your knee pain is not relieved by injections, physical therapy, or prescription medications, surgery may be an option. During surgery, the surgeon makes changes to repair damage and restore joint function. The surgeon must have special training and years of experience to perform this procedure.

The anesthesia team helps you relax before and during your operation. They also make sure that you are comfortable after the operation. You can’t eat anything before your surgery because it might interfere with the anesthesia. Depending on the type of surgery, you might need to stay in the hospital for a few days after your procedure.

You might need a home healthcare aide or visiting nurse to help you get around and take care of yourself after your surgery. Depending on the type of surgery, some people might need to stay in a rehab facility after their operation. Before you have surgery, ask your doctor if this is an option for you.