How is Chronic Knee Pain Treated?

Chronic knee pain can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts your quality of life. Whether you're an athlete, an active individual, or someone dealing with age-related joint issues, understanding the causes, impact, and treatment options for chronic knee pain is essential.
 

Understanding Chronic Knee Pain

Chronic knee pain is a persistent or recurring discomfort in the knee joint that lasts for an extended period, typically more than three months. This type of pain can range from a mild ache to a severe, debilitating sensation that can limit your mobility and interfere with your daily activities. Chronic knee pain can have a variety of underlying causes, including:
 

• Osteoarthritis: The gradual wear and tear of the knee joint's cartilage, leading to bone-on-bone friction and inflammation.
• Overuse injuries: Repetitive stress on the knee joint, such as from running, cycling, or other high-impact activities.
• Ligament or meniscus tears: Injuries to the knee's stabilizing structures, often caused by sudden movements or trauma.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, often due to overuse or strain.

Understanding the specific cause of your chronic knee pain is crucial in determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
 

The Impact of Chronic Knee Pain on Daily Life

Chronic knee pain can have a significant impact on your daily life, affecting your ability to perform even the most basic tasks. Some of the ways chronic knee pain can disrupt your daily routine include:

• Reduced mobility: Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or participating in physical activities.
• Decreased independence: Reliance on assistive devices or the help of others to perform everyday tasks.
• Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to the pain.
• Emotional distress: Feelings of frustration, depression, or anxiety related to the chronic condition.
• Reduced quality of life: Inability to engage in hobbies, social activities, or other enjoyable pursuits.

Recognizing the impact of chronic knee pain on your daily life is the first step in seeking effective treatment and reclaiming your quality of life.
 

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Chronic Knee Pain

While surgery may be necessary in some cases, there are several non-surgical treatment options that can effectively manage chronic knee pain.
 

PRP injections utilize your body's own healing properties to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation in the knee joint. This procedure involves drawing a small sample of your blood, which is then processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. The PRP solution is then injected directly into the affected area, stimulating the body's natural healing response.
 

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the knee joint that helps to lubricate and cushion the joint. Hyaluronic acid injections can help to restore the joint's natural lubrication, reducing pain and improving mobility.
 

Trigger point injections target specific areas of muscle tension or "knots" that can contribute to chronic knee pain. By injecting a local anesthetic or steroid medication into these trigger points, the muscle spasms and tension can be relieved, leading to reduced pain and improved range of motion.
 

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body's natural healing process. This therapy can help to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and alleviate chronic knee pain.
 

These non-surgical treatment options can be highly effective in managing chronic knee pain, often providing relief without the need for invasive procedures. It's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.
 

Get Started with ReAlignMed Today

Chronic knee pain can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts your quality of life. By understanding the common causes of this condition and the various non-surgical treatment options available, you can take steps to manage your pain and reclaim your mobility.
 

If you're struggling with chronic knee pain, schedule an appointment with ReAlignMed who specializes in joint and musculoskeletal conditions. We can help you explore the best treatment options for your individual needs and get you on the path to recovery. Visit our office in Chicago, Illinois, or call (773) 665-4400 to book an appointment today.