How to Treat Knee Pain

Jun 21, 2021 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

1. Pharmacological treatment: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications may be used to control joint effusion and pain. 2. Physical therapy: Modalities such as ultrashort-wave therapy, microwave therapy, or red-light irradiation can effectively improve local blood circulation, thereby better alleviating knee pain. 3. Surgical treatment: If conservative treatment proves ineffective, surgical intervention may be considered—however, this decision should be made in consultation with a physician.

In general, causes of knee pain—aside from traumatic injuries—include fat pad strain, meniscal injury, traumatic synovitis of the knee joint, exposure to cold, and poor gait habits, among others. So, how is knee pain treated? The following section addresses this question.

How to Treat Knee Pain

1. Pharmacological Treatment

Since knee pain may stem from arthritis—and arthritis itself has multiple underlying causes—anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications are often prescribed to control joint effusion and alleviate pain. Antibiotics may be selected in certain cases; besides exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, they can also effectively mitigate symptoms. However, it is crucial to take these medications only under a physician’s guidance to avoid exacerbating the condition or impeding recovery.

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2. Physical Therapy

Therapies such as ultrashort-wave and microwave irradiation—or other forms of red-light therapy—can effectively improve local blood circulation, thereby better alleviating knee pain and yielding favorable therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, patients are advised to minimize weight-bearing on the affected joint. This involves two aspects: first, avoiding activities that place excessive stress on the knee—such as climbing stairs or hills, or hiking; second, reducing overall mechanical load on the knee joint—for example, by achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight. Only with adequate time for natural joint repair can pain be effectively relieved.

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3. Surgical Intervention

If conservative treatment proves ineffective, surgical options may be considered. Such decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified orthopedic surgeon. Procedures—including partial meniscectomy or total knee arthroplasty—require careful evaluation, as surgery is not suitable for all patients. Furthermore, calcium is indispensable for bone health; calcium deficiency significantly impacts joint integrity. Therefore, ensuring adequate calcium intake and strengthening bone density are essential components of comprehensive management to help relieve symptoms.

The above outlines common approaches to treating knee pain. We hope this information proves helpful to you.

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Why does my knee hurt more after moxibustion?

It is possible that knee pain after moxibustion may be a normal reaction, due to individual differences, skin burns, catching a chill, or knee arthritis. Before performing moxibustion, ensure there are no wounds or infections on the knee area, and control the temperature and duration of the moxibustion. After moxibustion, keep the area warm to avoid getting chilled. If you have conditions such as knee arthritis, perform moxibustion only under the guidance of a physician to avoid worsening your condition.