What Can I Take Long-Term for Knee Pain?

Knee pain is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages and activity levels. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, arthritis, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms of knee pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that can significantly impact your daily life.
 

Common Contributors of Knee Pain

The most common causes of knee pain include:
 

• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative condition that causes the breakdown of the cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
   

• Meniscus tears: Tears in the rubbery, C-shaped discs (menisci) that act as shock absorbers in the knee joint.
   

• Ligament sprains or tears: Injuries to the ligaments that connect the bones in the knee, such as the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or MCL (medial collateral ligament).
   

• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles to the bones in the knee, often caused by overuse or repetitive movements.
   

• Bursitis: Inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint, typically caused by injury or overuse.
   

Seeking Long-Term Solutions for Knee Pain 

When it comes to managing knee pain, it's important to find long-term solutions that can provide relief and improve your quality of life. While over-the-counter pain medications or short-term treatments may provide temporary relief, they often do not address the underlying cause of the problem. Instead, it's essential to explore more comprehensive and sustainable treatment options that can help you regain your mobility and independence.
 

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

One promising long-term solution for knee pain is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. PRP is a concentration of your own platelets, which are rich in growth factors and other healing components. When injected into the affected area, PRP can stimulate the body's natural healing process, reducing inflammation and promoting the regeneration of damaged tissues.
 

PRP injections have been shown to be effective in the treatment of various types of knee pain, including osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, and tendinitis. The procedure is minimally invasive, with a relatively short recovery time, and can provide long-lasting relief from knee pain.
 

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Another long-term treatment option for knee pain is hyaluronic acid injections. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the synovial fluid that lubricates and cushions the knee joint. Over time, the levels of hyaluronic acid can decrease, leading to increased friction and wear on the joint.
 

Hyaluronic acid injections work by replenishing the joint's natural lubrication, reducing pain and improving mobility. These injections have been shown to be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis, providing relief that can last for several months.
 

Trigger Point Injections

In addition to joint-focused treatments, trigger point injections can also be an effective long-term solution for knee pain. Trigger points are areas of muscle tension or spasm that can refer pain to other parts of the body, including the knee.
 

Trigger point injections involve the injection of a local anesthetic or other medication directly into the affected muscle, helping to release the tension and relieve the associated pain. This targeted approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing knee pain due to muscular imbalances or referred pain from other areas of the body.
 

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is another non-surgical treatment option that can provide long-term relief for knee pain. This therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body's natural healing process, promoting the regeneration of damaged tissues and reducing inflammation.
 

Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various types of knee pain, including tendinitis, bursitis, and osteoarthritis. The treatment is non-invasive and can be performed in a clinical setting, with minimal discomfort and a relatively quick recovery time.
 

Exploring Non-Surgical Treatment Options at ReAlignMed

At ReAlignMed, we offer a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatment options to help you find long-term relief and improve your quality of life. We will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your knee pain.
 

To learn more about effective non-surgical treatment options for knee pain, schedule a consultation with ReAlignMed. Our team is dedicated to helping you regain your mobility and improve your quality of life. Contact our office in Chicago, Illinois, or call (773) 665-4400 to book an appointment today.