Knee pain affects millions of people worldwide, and it can be caused by a variety of reasons, from arthritis to injuries. When the pain becomes severe, many people opt for surgery, hoping it will provide relief.

However, surgery is expensive and comes with risks. Fortunately, there are non-surgical methods that can provide relief to those with knee pain.

What Causes Knee Pain?

Knee pain can be caused by a variety of factors. The knee is one of the most complicated joints in the body and is vulnerable to injuries and diseases. The following are some of the most common causes of knee pain:.

Arthritis

One of the most common causes of knee pain is arthritis. There are two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage, which acts as a cushion between the bones in your joint, wears down over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect the joints and other organs of the body.

Injuries

Injuries are another common cause of knee pain. You can injure your knee by falling, twisting, or through repetitive motion. Injuries can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Age

As we age, our joints tend to wear down, which can lead to knee pain. Aging also increases the risk of arthritis, which is a common cause of knee pain.

Obesity

Obesity can put a lot of pressure on the knee joint, which can cause pain and inflammation. Losing weight can help reduce knee pain in overweight individuals.

How to Relieve Knee Pain

If you’re experiencing knee pain, there are several non-surgical methods that can help provide relief. These methods include:.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint, which can help reduce pain and prevent further injuries. A physical therapist can also teach you exercises to help reduce pain in the knee joint.

Weight Loss

Losing weight can help reduce knee pain in overweight individuals. Weight loss can help reduce the pressure on the knee joint, which can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Medication

There are several over-the-counter medications that can help reduce knee pain, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint.

Knee Braces

Knee braces can help support the knee joint and help reduce pain and inflammation. There are several types of knee braces available, including compression sleeves and unloader braces.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting needles into specific points in the body. Acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint.

Massage

Massage can help reduce tension in the muscles surrounding the knee joint, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. A massage therapist can use various techniques to help reduce knee pain.

Conclusion

Knee pain can be debilitating, but surgery is not always the answer. There are several non-surgical methods that can provide relief to those with knee pain.

Before opting for surgery, consider trying physical therapy, weight loss, medication, knee braces, acupuncture, or massage. These methods can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint and may help you avoid surgery.