Treatment for Knee Pain
Knee Pain
Pain or ache in and around the knee which will indicate a condition affecting the knee itself or the soft tissue around the knee. It is a typical problem with many causes, from acute injuries to serious complications due to different medical conditions. Knee pain is often localized to a specific area of the knee or be dispersed throughout the knee. It is often accompanied by physical restriction. It is a common complaint among adults and most often associated with general wear and tear from daily activities like walking, bending, standing and lifting. Athletes who run or play sports that involve jumping or quick pivoting also are more likely to experience knee pain.
Ache within the knee may be a common problem which will originate in any of the bony structures compromising the knee (femur, tibia, fibula), the kneecap (patella) or the ligaments, tendons and cartilage (meniscus) of the knee. It could be aggravated by physical activity, as well as obesity or be affected by the surrounding muscles and their movements. It may also be triggered by other problems (such as a foot injury).
Knee pain can affect people of all ages and residential remedies are often helpful unless it becomes severe. The prognosis of knee pain, even severe knee pain, is usually good although it would require surgery or other interventions. A thorough physical examination would usually establish the diagnosis of knee pain.The treatment of knee pain depends ultimately on the underlying cause.
Causes of knee pain:
Knee pain causes could be divided into three major categories:
- Acute injury: Like a broken bone, ligament tear or meniscal tear
- Medical conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis and other infections
- Chronic use or overuse conditions: Patellar syndromes, osteoarthritis, chondromalacia, IT band syndrome, tendinitis and bursitis Below could also be an inventory of more common causes of knee pain. This may not be an all-inclusive list but rather highlights a few of the common causes of knee pain in each of the above categories,
- Acute knee injuries:
- Fractures: An immediate blow to the bony structure could cause one or many of the bones within the knee to interrupt. This is usually an obvious and painful knee injury. Most knee fractures aren't only painful but also tend to interfere with the proper functioning of the knee (such as kneecap fracture) and makes it very painful to bear weight (such as tibial plateau fracture). All fractures need immediate medical attention. Many fractures require significant force and a radical examination is performed to detect other injuries
- Ligament injuries: The most common injury is the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury. An ACL injury is typically a sports-related injury because of a sudden stop and alter in directions. The remaining ligaments (posterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament and medial collateral ligament) are said to be injured less frequently
- Meniscus injuries: The menisci (medial and lateral) are made up of cartilage and act as shock absorbers between bones within the knee. Twisting of the knee can injure the meniscus
- Dislocation: The knee is often dislocated, which may be a medical emergency that needs immediate attention. Knee dislocation could compromise blood flow to the leg and produce other related problems. This injury often occurs during a motor-vehicle accident, where the knee hits the dashboard
- Medical conditions:
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition which can affect any joint within the body. It could cause severe pain and disability, also as swelling
- Gout could also be a kind of arthritis that's most commonly found within the toes, though it can also affect the knee. Gout often causes a flare up and is extremely painful during the acute episodes. When there's no flare-up, the knee are often pain free
- With septic arthritis (infectious arthritis), the knee can become infected which results in pain, swelling and fever. This condition might require antibiotics and drainage treatments as soon as possible
- Chronic use/overuse conditions:
- Patellar tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (the bone of the lower leg). It might be a chronic condition often found in individuals repeating an equivalent motion during exercise (such as runners and cyclists)
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome is caused by degeneration and stress under the kneecap (patella) where it tends to meet the thigh bone (femur). Patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs in runners and cyclists
- Osteoarthritis: Wearing down of cartilage of the joint because of use and age
- Prepatellar bursitis: Inflammation to the bursa (fluid-filled sac) before the kneecap may cause anterior knee pain
- Other causes: Children can develop inflammation due to bony insertion of the patellar tendon (Osgood-Schlatter disease)
Risk factors for knee pain:
- Biomechanics: The knee is complicated in its operation and is employed frequently throughout the day. Any change within the movement of the joint (leg-length difference, change in walking style because of back problems) can cause subtle changes and cause pain and injuries
- Excess weight: Strain on the knee could increase with excess weight. Obesity also increases the danger of knee osteoarthritis since the cartilage breaks down sooner
- Overuse during repetitive motions as are found during certain exercises (jogging, skiing) or work conditions (long periods of kneeling) can cause breakdown of cartilage and cause pain
There are a few risk factors involved in knee pain, if you experience any of these seek medical attention immediately or Call your doctor if you,
- Are unable to bear weight on your knee or feel as if your knee is unstable
- Have a marked knee swelling
- Are unable to completely extend or flex your knee
- See a visible deformity in your knee or leg
- Have fever, additionally to redness, pain and swelling in your knee
- Have severe knee pain that's related to an injury
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Symptoms of knee pain:
Any pain that does not respond to rest nor does it disappear within a few days, should be evaluated by a doctor. In addition, the below are symptoms and signs within the knee that a doctor should evaluate: swelling, inability to bend, deformity, unable to steer or discomfort while walking, significant pain and fever. The location and severity of knee ache might vary, depending on the explanation for the matter.
Signs and symptoms that predominantly accompany knee pain include:
- Swelling and stiffness
- Redness and warmth to the touch
- Weakness or instability
- Popping or crunching noises
- Inability to fully straighten the knee
Diagnosis of knee pain:
A health care professional will begin by asking questions associated with the person's general health then specifically to characterize the knee pain.Next, an examination of the knee will be performed. This will include bending the knee through the full range of motion, checking for stability of the ligaments and evaluating if there is any tenderness and swelling. It is often helpful to match the results of the examination of the painful knee with the opposite knee.
Frequently, this is often all that is required to form a diagnosis and begin treatment. In several research and studies, it has been found that an experienced examiner is as reliable as X-ray examination. In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, other tests for knee problems your doctor may include further studies such as the following,
- Radiologic tests:
- X-ray:This test uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to form images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto a film. X-ray could establish fractures and degenerative changes of the knee
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses large magnets, radio frequencies and a computer to form detailed images of organs and structures within the body which could often determine damage or disease during a surrounding ligament or muscle. MRI is employed to gauge the soft tissues of the knee for ligament tears or cartilage and muscle injuries
- Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan): This test makes use of X-rays and technology to take horizontal or axial images of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, fat, muscles and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays
- Arthroscopy: A minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure used for conditions of the joint. This procedure uses a tiny, lighted, optic tube (arthroscope), which is inserted into the joint through a little incision within the joint. Images of the within of the joint are projected onto a screen in order to evaluate any degenerative or arthritic changes within the joint, to detect bone diseases and tumors, to determine the explanation for bone pain and inflammation
- Radionuclide bone scan: A nuclear imaging technique that uses a bit of radioactive material, which is injected into the patient's bloodstream to be detected by a scanner. This test shows how blood flows to the bone and determines cell activity within the bone
- Blood tests: If gout, arthritis or other medical conditions are suspected, your doctor might order blood tests
- Removal of joint fluid (arthrocentesis): Some conditions are best diagnosed by removal of smaller amounts of fluid from the knee. During arthrocentesis, a tiny needle is placed into your joint and fluid is withdrawn. This is done in a sterile method and the fluid is then sent to the laboratory for evaluation. This procedure is particularly helpful if an infected knee is suspected or to differentiate gout and other sorts of arthritis. If there's a set of blood within the joint due to a traumatic injury, removing the fluid can help relieve the pain
Conventional treatments for knee pain:
Treatments for knee pain are as varied just as the conditions that tend to cause the pain. Listed below are a few,
- The “RICE” mnemonic is usually helpful, especially for minor injuries;
- Rest: Rest the joint and take a break from your usual activities involving the knee
- Ice: Applying ice could help ease pain and inflammation
- Compress: A tourniquet can help prevent swelling and help knee alignment. It shouldn't be tight and will be removed in the dark
- Elevate: Elevation could help with swelling and resting of the knee
- Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications medications can frequently alleviate the pain. If someone is taking these medications on a regular basis, then they should visit their doctor at regular intervals to evaluate the knee pain for proper diagnosis and to avoid the potential side effects of chronic medication use. Medications could be prescribed to treat an underlying medical condition or for pain relief
- Physical therapy: Sometimes physiotherapy sessions help to strengthen the muscles around the knee will make it more stable and help guarantee the only mechanical movements. Working with a physiotherapist can help avoid injuries or further worsening of an injury
- Injections: Injecting medications directly into your knee may help in certain situations. The two most common injections are corticosteroids and lubricants. Corticosteroid injections could help arthritis and other inflammations of the knee. They usually have to be repeated every few months, as a course. Lubricants that are almost like the fluid already in your knee can help with movement and pain reduction
- Surgery: Knee operations generally range from arthroscopic knee surgery to total knee replacement. Arthroscopic knee surgery might be a quite common surgery that permits the physician to look inside your knee through a couple of small holes and a fibre optic camera. The surgeon might repair many of the injuries and take away small pieces of loose bones or cartilage. This is a common outpatient procedure
- Partial knee replacement: The surgeon would replace the damaged portions of the knee with plastic and metal parts. Since only a part of the knee is replaced, this procedure features a shorter recovery than a complete knee replacement procedure
- Total knee replacement: During this procedure, the knee is replaced with a man-made joints
- Other therapies: Acupuncture has proven evidence that helps in relieving knee pain, especially in patients with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have shown mixed leads to research studies.
Clinical diagnosis of knee pain using Acupuncture
During an acupuncture treatment, your acupuncturist inserts very thin needles into specific spots on your body. Insertion of the needles usually causes little discomfort.
Each person who performs acupuncture has a unique style, often blending aspects of Eastern and Western approaches to medicine. To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, your practitioner may ask you about your symptoms, behaviors and lifestyle. He or she may also closely examine:
- The parts of your body that are painful
- The shape, coating and color of your tongue
- The color of your face
- The strength, rhythm and quality of the pulse in your wrist
This initial evaluation and treatment may take up to 60 minutes. Subsequent appointments usually take about a half-hour. A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it's common to receive six to eight treatments.
Acupuncture to treat knee pain:
Acupuncture is often a successful go-to therapy for chronic knee pain. It can be used to treat both acute and chronic knee pain. Research shows that it has positively been helpful for several people. Acupuncture is suggested to be better for knee pain than certain medications. It is an ancient Chinese physiotherapy that has become a well-liked and well-researched method for managing this pain.
Mechanism of Acupuncture:
As an affordable and safe treatment, the efficacy of acupuncture in treating knee patients has been demonstrated.The pathogenesis of Knee pain is related to inflammatory factors, cytokines, chemicals, signaling pathways, genetics, and biomechanics which mediate cartilage degradation. It has been demonstrated that IL-1β and TNF-α contribute significantly to the severity and progression of Knee pain. They can not only activate various signaling pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway but also promote nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) release, resulting in upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and destruction of collagen II, which induce Knee pain. The mechanism of acupuncture in alleviating pain and promoting functional recovery in Knee pain patients involves:
- inhibiting the overexpression of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α;
- suppressing the activity of some signaling pathways such as MAPK signaling pathway;
- promoting the release of antioxidants; and
- inhibiting hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes.
Pain Relief due to Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that supports the thought of energetics within the body.
- Reduces pain and inflammation: Acupuncture increases blood flow to the injured area. Blood brings healing properties such as platelets and red blood cells which lead to faster recovery. When these are increased during blood flow, it pulls out toxins and fluid buildup which in turn decreases inflammation. When there is less inflammation and swelling, there is less pain
- Releases neurotransmitters: There are hormones that send messages regulating the on/off mechanisms of varied nerve endings. Acupuncture releases endorphins and serotonin as natural pain medication. The natural pain killers that are triggered by acupuncture could be stronger than morphine. You get natural pain relief and reduction of inflammation without the harsh unwanted side effects of medication
- Triggers electromagnetic impulses in the body: These impulses can help speed the body’s way of handling pain, including the discharge of endorphins. Acupuncture reduces trigger points in the muscles around the knee. When muscles get tight, they tend to get sore, achy and result in decreased movement in an area. Acupuncture releases these trigger points without the need of injecting medication. This makes for a natural approach to relieve tight muscles in the knee and trigger points.
Effectiveness of Acupuncture
Studies and research have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture to relieve pain for various causes of knee pain such as arthritis, “runner’s knee”, sprains and strains. It also relieves pain while waiting for surgical intervention and can occasionally make surgery unnecessary. If you’re suffering from knee pain, stiffness or swelling acupuncture is the effective procedure for relief.
Best cure for knee pain
Looking for a best solution to treat knee pain, here’s why you should reach out to the expert Acupuncturist. A. Shaji Bharath from Dr.Bharath’s Acu Heal. He is currently treating patients for a wide range of conditions. As a certified acupuncture practitioner with 15 years of experience, with vast knowledge on orthopaedics and having worked with several Orthopedists, Acupuncturist. A. Shaji Bharath has seen Acupuncture doing wonders on people suffering from knee pain. The effectiveness rate increases several times just with one course of Acupuncture and it can help alleviate the symptoms, reduce pain and address various conditions such as arthritis, “runner’s knee”, sprains and strains, helping patients get back to their normal routine at the earliest, by evaluating your condition and offering appropriate treatment. Most of the people swear by acupuncture, citing it as a ‘miracle’ to improving their quality of life, that focuses on injuries and conditions of your body's musculoskeletal system, which allows you to move, work, and be active.
Dial: +91 9884746916 or Visit: drbharathsacuheal.com for more details on treating knee pain using Acupuncture.
BEST ACUPUNCTURE DOCTOR NEAR ME
To choose the Best doctor for Acupuncture, it's important that the Acupuncturist should have a decade of experience and treated at least 1000 to 2000 patients.
You can also search for the Best Acupuncture Doctor near me or ask your primary care physician to refer an experienced Acupuncturist nearby. Once you find the Best Acupuncture Doctor in Chennai, you may go through their google reviews first and then fix an appointment with the doctor only when you are satisfied with the reviews.
The Best Acupuncture Doctor should address your concerns and help you feel more comfortable before your first session. Acupuncture usually takes numerous sessions or several weeks to get a complete cure in any ailment but within 3 or 4 sessions the patients will experience positive differences.
BEST ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC NEAR ME
Owing to the demand for the treatment, there are numerous clinics popping up and it is sometimes skeptical to choose the best or even the safe one. To address such concerns, you can look into the following points to choose the best acupuncture clinic for Knee pain. Acupuncture is also offered in hospital pain clinics and by healthcare organizations but it is ideal to visit the best Acupuncture Clinic for Knee Pain. If you are not sure, it would be a good idea to contact your local doctor to see if they would be prepared to refer to the best rated acupuncture clinics. For example in cases where a patient specifically requests acupuncture for knee pain, or where it is felt that acupuncture would complement conventional treatment. In some cases acupuncture is offered in top rated acupuncture clinics near me because conventional treatment has failed or produces unacceptable side effects.
Most of the best acupuncture clinics for knee pain will spell out very clearly
- what type of acupuncture they practice
- how much they charge
- how professional they are - at present anyone can set themselves up as an acupuncturist but reputable practitioners will belong to an organization
- whether the premises are hygienic and smart
- what other therapies they offer
So while you are filtering the best clinics for acupuncture that treats knee pain, you can look out for the above said factors.
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The Bottom Line
- Knee pain affects millions of people; it causes joint pain, impacts mobility, and gets in the way of everyday activities.
- Acupuncture may help reduce short-term pain and improve physical functioning in the short- and long-term in people with knee Pain.
- More recent research shows that the pain relieving effects of acupuncture may even last for at least 12 months.
Scientific References:
- Whittingham M, Palmer S, Macmillan F. Effects of knee pain and knee pain treatments: a randomized controlled trial. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. 2004;34(9):504–510.
- Roos EM, Lohmander LS. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS): from joint injury to osteoarthritis. Health and quality of life outcomes. 2003;1(1):64.
- Acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis with sensitized acupoints: results from a pilot, feasibility randomized controlled trial.Jia P, et al. Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2020.PMID: 33005432
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FAQ:
What are the services provided for knee pain by Dr. Bharath’s Acu Heal?
Pains in the knee occur due to various reasons like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, breakdown of cartilage in the knee cap, overuse of joints, excess weight, gout, etc which results in swelling and stiffness, weakness, instability, or inability to fully straighten the knees.
At Bharath's Acu Heal, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is treated with Acupuncture and the treatment will be given based on the disease’s chronicity and acuteness. The Acupuncturist can understand the condition of the disease only after a thorough investigation by pulse and tongue diagnosis. In the first few sessions, there will be a positive change in the symptoms and after several sessions, there will be an 80% to 95% chance that the patient will get cured of knee pain. This treatment will induce sound sleep which will help and play a vital role in reversing the ailment.
Simultaneously the patient will be advised on a diet with food restrictions and exercise regime .
What are the benefits of acupuncture for knee pain?
This is a drugless therapy and there are no side effects. After completing the course of treatment any form of medication can be stopped.
How many sessions do you need for knee pain?
Depending upon the severity, it takes around 20 to 40 sessions in a period of 2 to 5 months.