The most commonly used for knee osteoarthritis are acetaminophen and NSAIDs, like ibuprofen. Depending on what is causing your inside knee pain (more on that below), Allie Paul, PT, DPT, a physical therapist for the Hospital of Special Surgery in New York City, says you’ll notice symptoms in one of three places. That includes the medial inside of the knee, or the part closest to your opposite leg, the meniscus, or the cartilage inside your knee or the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the ligament that holds the shin bone in place. Dr. Paul says the MCL works as a band-aid over the joint line. The efficacy of stem cell injections to treat knee osteoarthritis has not been proven; benefits reported by patients may be the result of anti-inflammatory agents released from the bone marrow or fat.
However, few studies have investigated the effects of mechanical force or other physical stimuli of physical therapy on stem cells. The mechanical force or other stimuli of physical therapy may also activate stem cells, and a combination of physical therapy and stem cell therapy may improve their efficacy for OA treatment. As mentioned above, there is strong evidence that physical therapy represented by regular exercise can be beneficial for OA.
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the most commonly affected areas is the knee joint. Physical therapy (PT) has been recognized as an effective treatment option for managing OA knee pain and improving function.
But medical organizations have pulled back on their endorsements of knee injections. 3 exercises to strengthen your knee are squats, deadlifts, and hip thrusts. They are simple, can be done without equipment, and offer a big bang for your buck. To increase difficulty, hold the leg up for a few seconds.
How PT Helps with OA Knee Pain
Physical therapy has been proven to successfully manage knee OA. Seeing a physical therapist early can help slow the progression of the condition, or even prevent it from becoming worse. Proper treatment also can help people delay or avoid surgery. Although physical therapy is successful in many cases, some patients may still require surgery based on the severity of their condition. You can see why physical therapy is a staple in any hip or knee osteoarthritis treatment.
The sessions may not be as exercise-focused as others, though. They will likely focus on passive treatments (like the first ones in this list) to ease your symptoms naturally. They are a bit more expensive than the other options, though.
As well as stretching exercises to promote mobility and joint health. So, our team of physical therapists made this list of easy and effective exercises, with written and visual instructions. They included pro tips on each movement to boost its effect and help you troubleshoot, too. If you do not have insurance, it is important to let the physical therapy office know so that they can provide you with their office-standard rates. You can speak with the physical therapist to see what your treatment plan may look like and to help estimate the final costs. It is also possible to continue treatment on your own at home, going to the PT office every few weeks for re-enforcement and help as needed.
Joints, like those in the hip and knee, are where two bones connect to allow motion. Cartilage is a strong, smooth surface that covers and protects the bones at joints. It acts as a “cushion” when bearing weight while standing, walking, and climbing stairs. The cartilage and synovial fluid help reduce friction in the joints for motion.
Physical therapy for osteoarthritis knee pain focuses on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint to provide support and stability. Therapists also work on improving range of motion and flexibility, which can help reduce pain and stiffness in the affected joint. Additionally, PT can help individuals learn proper body mechanics and movement patterns to prevent further damage to the knee joint.
Benefits of PT for OA Knee Pain
One of the key benefits of physical therapy for osteoarthritis knee pain is its ability to improve overall function and mobility. By addressing muscle weakness and joint stiffness, PT can help individuals perform daily activities with less pain and discomfort. Furthermore, PT can help delay the need for surgical intervention and reduce the reliance on pain medication.
In conclusion, physical therapy is a valuable treatment option for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis knee pain. By focusing on strengthening muscles, improving range of motion, and teaching proper movement techniques, PT can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
