A personalised approach to managing knee pain
Everyone experiences knee pain differently and individual patients have different goals they want to achieve with regards to treatment. Whether it’s getting back to walking pain-free, returning to a particular sport or improving overall function. Knee pain can be managed through a spectrum of treatments, ranging from conservative management to surgical interventions.
Conservative measures in the form of weight management, activity modification, targeted physiotherapy, and the use of supportive braces or orthotics can help reduce pain and improve function, particularly when treating early joint disease. Resting the knee and avoiding activities that exacerbate pain are essential first steps. Applying ice packs can reduce inflammation and swelling, while gentle compression and elevation help manage discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be effective for short-term pain control.
Physical therapy and non-impact exercises plays a crucial role by strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility, and promoting proper joint alignment. Exercises focusing on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles help support the knee and reduce strain.
When symptoms persist, a wide range of injectable therapies may be considered to help with pain relief. These include corticosteroids for short-term relief, hyaluronic acid for joint lubrication, and Arthrosamid®, a long-acting hydrogel that provides cushioning and anti-inflammatory effects for more sustained pain relief.
If structural issues within the knee such as meniscal tears or cartilage damage are contributing to pain, arthroscopic surgery can be utilised to debride/repair meniscal tears or to treat isolated cartilage lesions. Symptoms of instability and pain due to ligamentous injuries can be treated with ligament reconstruction.
In more advanced cases of osteoarthritis or joint degeneration, joint replacement may be required. Partial knee replacement (resurfacing a single compartment in the knee) is a highly effective procedure to restore mobility and improve pain in those patients with isolated uni-compartmental joint degeneration. Benefits include a shorter recovery, better function and a more natural feeling knee. For those patients with more widespread arthritis a total knee replacement is an excellent procedure to allow patients to walk pain free and restore mobility. Which type of knee replacement is more suitable depends on the extent of disease and patient-specific factors.
Managing knee pain requires a tailored approach based on the individual’s symptoms and diagnosis. Starting with simple, non-invasive methods often helps many patients regain mobility and comfort. However, when necessary, advanced surgical treatments offer effective solutions to restore quality of life. Consulting with a healthcare professional ensures the best treatment strategy for long-term knee health. Mr Craig Zhao treats knee pain on a case-by-case basis, specifically tailored to each patient's needs.
