Do you have knee pain that’s gradually worsening? If so, you may be one of the 32.5 million Americans with osteoarthritis. Also known as degenerative joint disease, this condition causes the cartilage within your joints to break down. Not only does this condition cause pain, but it also limits mobility.
To treat chronic knee pain, many people turn to surgical methods. Unfortunately, these solutions are highly invasive and not always effective. At MAPS, we specialize in non-surgical chronic knee pain treatment designed to deliver long-lasting relief. We understand the impact that knee pain can have on your daily life, from simple tasks like walking to enjoying your favorite activities. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing innovative and effective treatments that address the root cause of your pain, without the need for surgery. Keep reading to learn more about our unique treatments and how our knee pain clinic in Chicago can help you regain mobility and live pain-free.
Tips for Managing Knee Arthritis and Degeneration
Before we unpack our professional solutions, let’s review some simple (yet effective) tips that you can implement at home:
- Use heat and ice: Ice packs can help reduce inflammation and pain, while heating pads encourage blood flow and ease muscle tension. Alternating between the two can provide relief for sore knees.
- Stay active: Engage in low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and biking to maintain joint flexibility and strength without putting too much pressure on the knees. These activities help keep your joints moving and can alleviate stiffness.
- Avoid strenuous activity: While regular exercise is important, avoiding activities that may strain your knees excessively is essential. Opt for low-impact exercises and be mindful not to bend your knees too often to prevent further discomfort.
- Healthy diet: Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help reduce the risk of weight gain, which can otherwise put extra pressure on your joints. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall joint health.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medication: While OTC pain relievers won’t cure joint pain, they can temporarily relieve discomfort. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for knee pain, and always follow the recommended dosage instructions.
While these lifestyle changes may help prevent knee pain from worsening, they won’t necessarily relieve pain altogether. For increased support, consider professional treatment.
Professional Chronic Knee Pain Treatment Options
Looking for long-term relief? At MAPS, we offer the following non-surgical treatments:
- Interventional pain treatment: This minimally invasive treatment consists of innovative therapies led by pain management experts. One of our top treatments targets the genicular nerves, or sensory nerves that send pain signals from the knee joint to the brain.
- Hyaluronic acid injections: This injection-based therapy uses hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the synovial fluid (or the fluid that cushions joints). These injections reduce joint pain by restoring fluid.
- Growth factor injections: These injections take advantage of the body’s unique ability to heal itself. More specifically, they rely on the patient’s platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which can stimulate tissue repair, lower inflammation and quicken healing processes.
- Steroid-based injection: Centered around pain relief, this treatment involves injecting corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatory medications, directly into the knee joint.
- Physical therapy: We recommend pairing interventional or injection-based therapies with personalized physical therapy sessions. During a standard session, a trained instructor will lead you through gentle exercises designed to strengthen your joints.
- Bracing & supports: Depending on the condition of your knee, we may recommend wearing a brace or using supportive devices.
Not sure which treatment is best for you? The experts at MAPS are here to help.
Explore Non-Surgical Treatments at MAPS
Dealing with osteoarthritis isn’t easy. At MAPS, we help patients overcome this condition through a variety of high-quality, non-surgical solutions. After an initial evaluation, our experienced, double-board certified knee doctors in Chicago will devise a personalized treatment plan. Throughout the process, you can expect compassionate, patient-centered care that leads to long-lasting results. Interested in learning more? Contact our team today!
