Arthritis knee pain: Treatment options for each level of pain

Arthritis can be a challenging condition for the many people who experience it worldwide. If you are one of these people, you probably know that treating your joint pain is an important aspect of living with arthritis. This can be especially important if your arthritis affects your legs. Experiencing arthritis knee pain can be debilitating. You may feel like you cannot walk across the room without feeling sharp pains. When you have arthritis, it is important to seek effective treatment.

Arthritis comes in many forms including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. When someone has arthritis, the most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness caused by inflammation. Your level of arthritis pain can depend on the kind of arthritis you have as well as the severity of your condition. Whether you are experiencing mild discomfort or severe pain, finding the right treatment strategy can be crucial.

Treatment options for mild arthritis knee pain

• Low-impact stretches — At the early stages of arthritis-related knee pain, managing your discomfort might not require intense or invasive treatments. Low-impact physical therapy stretches can be a great way to manage pain and help prevent worsening symptoms. Some physical therapy methods can also help restore mobility that was lost due to arthritis. Stretches can work to reduce inflammation at the knee joint, which can in turn help alleviate knee pain. A licensed physical therapist can help you create a stretching routine designed to keep you flexible and comfortable. Low-impact exercises like cycling and swimming can also help to maintain joint health.
   
• Ergonomics — Are you looking for ways to prevent your pain from getting worse? If so, you could benefit from ergonomic services. After an ergonomic assessment, a physical therapist can help you adjust your posture and body mechanics. Maintaining proper body mechanics can be an effective way to manage arthritis knee pain. In addition, your physical therapist can recommend specialized ergonomic tools and furniture. Knee pain is often made worse by repetitive stressful motions. If you live or work in an environment where you need to frequently move your knees in uncomfortable ways, ergonomic solutions can help. For example, an adjustable ergonomic chair can help ensure that your knees rest in a neutral position when you are sitting.

Treatment options for moderate arthritis knee pain

• Body mechanics — The treatment options for mild arthritis pain can still be effective when your pain is more intense. Stretches and ergonomic solutions are designed to help patients with pain at any level. When your pain intensifies, effective management solutions can become more valuable. Your physical therapy treatment plan may reflect this by homing in on pain relief techniques.
   
• Pain medications — In some cases, pain medications can help offer relief. However, medications do not address the root causes of pain in the body. This means they are mainly effective as a short-term solution. Pain medications can also come with unexpected side effects. While they can alleviate your pain, medications may lead to other symptoms that require treatment. With physical therapy, you can directly boost your joint health to keep your pain in check. This is why PT is often considered a less invasive and more reliable method.

Treatment options for severe arthritis knee pain

• Walking aids — Severe arthritis knee pain can put major restrictions on your daily activities. The inflammation and pain can make walking difficult without aids. If walking aids become necessary for you to get around, a physical therapist can help you learn how to use the devices. Hands-on guidance and practice with a physical therapist are meant to ensure a smooth transition. 
   
• Physical therapy exercises — Physical therapy exercises can be effective for addressing mild to severe knee pain. With stretches and strengthening exercises, you can maintain joint health and functionality. This is important when managing a joint condition like arthritis. Continued PT is often an essential part of a long-term arthritis management plan.

Alliance PTP can help find expert physical therapists near you to address arthritis

You probably don’t have to go as far as you think to get help with your arthritis knee pain. After all, Alliance Physical Therapy Partners has practices across the country where you can find the physical therapy you need. 

And if there isn’t one near you, don’t worry! We also offer highly effective and affordable virtual care in nearly every U.S. state. 

So, don’t keep letting your symptoms affect your day-to-day life. Get in touch with our team today so we can help you find the physical therapy that’s right for you.