Knee Pain Treatment in Honolulu: Non-Surgical Options for Arthritis and Joint Pain
Knee pain can make even simple activities difficult. Walking through the grocery store, climbing stairs, exercising, or getting up from a chair can become uncomfortable when your knees hurt.
For some people, knee pain develops after an injury. For others, it gradually becomes more noticeable with age or is related to arthritis and changes within the joint.
If you're experiencing ongoing knee pain, surgery isn't necessarily the first or only treatment option.
There are several non-surgical knee pain treatments that may be considered depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms.
At The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center in Honolulu, we work with patients looking for conservative approaches to managing knee and joint discomfort.
Here's what you should know.
What Causes Knee Pain?
The knee is a complex joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues. A problem with any of these structures can potentially cause pain.
Common causes of knee pain include:
Osteoarthritis
Overuse
Previous injuries
Tendon or ligament problems
Bursitis
Muscle weakness or imbalance
Changes in joint mechanics
Age can also increase the likelihood of developing certain knee conditions, particularly osteoarthritis.
Because there are many possible causes, identifying what's contributing to your symptoms is an important part of determining an appropriate treatment approach.
Is Your Knee Pain Caused by Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain.
Knee osteoarthritis occurs as tissues within the joint change over time. Cartilage deterioration is part of this process, but osteoarthritis can affect the entire joint.
Symptoms may include:
Knee pain during or after activity
Stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity
Reduced range of motion
Tenderness around the knee
Grinding or clicking sensations
Difficulty climbing stairs
Discomfort when getting up from a chair
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and don't always progress at the same rate.
If knee pain is persistent or interfering with your daily activities, it's worth having the underlying cause evaluated rather than simply trying to manage the symptoms yourself.
What Are the Non-Surgical Treatments for Knee Pain?
The appropriate treatment depends on what's causing your knee pain.
For many patients, conservative care is considered before more invasive treatments.
Options may include exercise, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, medications, injections, therapeutic laser treatment, and other approaches.
Let's look at some of these options.
Exercise and Strengthening
It might seem counterintuitive to exercise a painful knee, but appropriate movement can be an important part of managing many knee conditions.
Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee may help support the joint and improve function.
Low-impact activities can include:
Walking
Swimming
Cycling
Water exercise
Specific strengthening exercises
However, the right exercise program depends on your condition.
If certain activities significantly increase your pain, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before continuing them.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may be recommended for patients experiencing knee pain, weakness, stiffness, or limited mobility.
A physical therapist can assess movement and develop exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and function.
For some people with knee osteoarthritis, exercise-based therapy can be an important part of long-term symptom management.
Weight Management
For patients who are overweight, reducing body weight may decrease some of the mechanical stress placed on weight-bearing joints such as the knees.
Even relatively modest weight loss may be beneficial for some people with knee osteoarthritis.
This isn't relevant to every patient, however, and weight management should be approached based on individual health needs.
Medication
Over-the-counter or prescription medications may sometimes be used to manage knee pain.
Options can include topical treatments, acetaminophen, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), depending on the patient's health history and condition.
Medications can have risks and interactions, so patients should discuss appropriate use with their physician or pharmacist.
Injections
Some patients with knee arthritis may be offered injections as part of their treatment plan.
Depending on the diagnosis and individual circumstances, these may include corticosteroid injections or other injectable treatments.
Results and recommendations vary, and injections aren't appropriate for everyone.
An orthopedic or other qualified medical provider can discuss whether these treatments should be considered.
Another non-invasive option some patients explore is therapeutic laser treatment.
Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light directed toward the treatment area.
Research has examined certain types of laser therapy for musculoskeletal conditions, including knee osteoarthritis.
Some studies suggest particular laser therapy protocols may help reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. However, results vary, and more research is needed to determine which treatment protocols are most effective.
Laser therapy should therefore be viewed as a potential option for symptom management rather than a cure for arthritis.
At The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center, we offer therapeutic laser treatment, including Class IV laser therapy, as one of our non-invasive treatment options.
What Is Class IV Laser Therapy?
Class IV therapeutic lasers use higher power levels than lower-powered laser devices.
During treatment, laser energy is directed toward the targeted area using a specialized device.
Treatment does not involve surgery or injections.
The appropriate settings and treatment schedule depend on the device, condition being treated, and individual patient.
Class IV laser therapy is sometimes incorporated into conservative treatment plans for musculoskeletal pain.
However, patients should understand that evidence supporting one type of laser or treatment protocol doesn't necessarily establish that every laser device will produce the same results.
Can Laser Therapy Help Knee Arthritis?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask.
Research into laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis has produced promising but mixed results.
Some systematic reviews have found improvements in pain and function with certain laser treatment protocols. However, studies vary considerably in the type of laser used, dosage, treatment schedule, and patient population.
That means it's important to have realistic expectations.
Laser therapy has not been shown to regenerate worn cartilage or cure knee arthritis.
Instead, it may be considered as one possible approach to managing symptoms.
Whether it's appropriate for you depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, health history, and treatment goals.
Chiropractic Care and Knee Pain
Although chiropractic care is often associated with back and neck pain, chiropractors may also evaluate musculoskeletal issues affecting other parts of the body.
When knee pain is present, an assessment may consider joint movement, surrounding muscles, gait, and other factors that could influence function.
The appropriate treatment depends on what's causing the pain.
Chiropractic care should not be presented as a substitute for orthopedic evaluation when a significant knee injury or advanced joint disease is suspected.
When Should You See a Doctor for Knee Pain?
Some knee discomfort may improve with rest and conservative care.
However, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation.
Seek appropriate medical care if:
You cannot bear weight on the knee.
The knee appears significantly swollen or deformed.
Pain began after a significant injury.
The knee locks or repeatedly gives way.
You have redness, warmth, or fever.
Pain is severe or rapidly worsening.
Symptoms persist despite conservative care.
Persistent knee pain should also be evaluated if it begins limiting your normal activities.
Do You Need Knee Replacement Surgery?
Not everyone with knee arthritis needs surgery.
The decision to consider knee replacement depends on several factors, including the severity of joint damage, symptoms, functional limitations, overall health, and response to conservative treatments.
For patients with advanced osteoarthritis and significant disability, knee replacement can be an effective treatment.
Non-surgical treatments shouldn't be used to delay necessary medical or orthopedic care when surgery is appropriate.
However, people with mild to moderate symptoms may have several conservative options to explore before reaching that point.
What Should You Expect at a Knee Pain Consultation?
A knee pain evaluation typically begins with understanding your symptoms.
You may be asked:
When did the pain begin?
Where exactly does your knee hurt?
What activities make it worse?
Is the knee stiff after sitting?
Have you had previous knee injuries?
Have you been diagnosed with arthritis?
What treatments have you already tried?
Your provider may also assess your movement and determine whether additional medical evaluation or imaging is appropriate.
If treatment is recommended, you should understand the goals, expected costs, potential benefits, limitations, and alternatives before getting started.
Finding Knee Pain Treatment in Honolulu
If you're searching for knee pain treatment in Honolulu, the best approach depends on why your knee hurts.
There isn't one treatment that's right for everyone.
Someone with a recent ligament injury may require very different care from someone experiencing gradual knee pain related to osteoarthritis.
At The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center, our focus is on conservative, non-invasive treatment options for appropriate patients.
Available treatment options may include therapeutic laser treatment and chiropractic care based on individual needs.
When additional medical or orthopedic evaluation is appropriate, patients should be referred for the care they need.
Knee Pain Treatment at The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center
The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center provides non-invasive treatment options for patients experiencing knee pain, arthritis, joint discomfort, and other musculoskeletal conditions in Honolulu.
Dr. Jeremy Alosa evaluates each patient's symptoms and discusses treatment options based on their individual needs.
Our clinic offers:
Arthritis treatment
Knee pain treatment
Class IV laser therapy
Laser therapy for arthritis
Chiropractic care
Non-invasive pain management options
Our goal is to help patients better understand their condition and explore appropriate conservative treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pain Treatment
What is the best treatment for knee arthritis?
There isn't one treatment that's best for every patient. Treatment may include exercise, physical therapy, weight management when appropriate, medication, injections, laser therapy, or surgery depending on the severity of arthritis and individual circumstances.
Can knee arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many people with knee osteoarthritis use non-surgical treatments to manage their symptoms. Surgery may be considered when arthritis is severe and conservative treatments are no longer providing adequate relief.
Does laser therapy work for knee pain?
Some research suggests certain laser therapy protocols may reduce pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. However, results vary, and laser therapy doesn't work for everyone.
Can laser therapy rebuild knee cartilage?
There isn't sufficient clinical evidence to claim that therapeutic laser treatment rebuilds cartilage damaged by osteoarthritis. Patients should be cautious about treatments promising cartilage regeneration.
How many laser treatments will I need for knee pain?
Treatment recommendations vary based on the condition, symptoms, type of laser, and response to care. A provider should discuss the proposed treatment schedule and how progress will be evaluated.
Where can I get knee pain treatment in Honolulu?
The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center provides non-invasive treatment options for appropriate patients experiencing knee pain and arthritis in Honolulu. Contact the clinic to discuss your symptoms and available treatment options.
Explore Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatment in Honolulu
You don't have to wait until knee pain significantly interferes with your life before exploring treatment options.
Understanding what's causing the discomfort is the first step.
If you're experiencing ongoing knee pain, arthritis symptoms, stiffness, or difficulty staying active, The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center can help you explore conservative treatment options.
Our Honolulu clinic offers individualized care, including therapeutic laser treatment and chiropractic services for appropriate patients.
The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center1441 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 513Honolulu, HI 96814
Call 808-596-4800 to schedule a consultation and learn more about knee pain treatment in Honolulu: https://www.dralosa.com/book-your-appointment
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