How to Manage Arthritis Pain in Knee Medically and At Home

It’s a common source of knee pain, but many wonder, “What is arthritis, exactly?” Arthritis is a chronic condition with over 100 subtypes. Two of the most common are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). OA and RA can both cause significant knee pain. Arthritis is not something to self-diagnose or treat alone. In fact, it can be tough to diagnose and medical care is essential. Once you have a firm diagnosis, doctors provide medical treatment and self-care suggestions.

RA is an inflammatory autoimmune form of arthritis that strikes in flares and goes into remission. It’s more cyclical than progressive. RA can flare in multiple joints at once and often attacks both sides of the body, like both knees. RA is a systemic disease which can affect other organs like the eyes, heart, and lungs. It’s important to partner with a pain specialist to target Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms.

In-Office Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Diagnosis:

Your doctor will diagnose RA by checking your joints for swelling, redness, or warmth, as well as checking reflexes and strength. At Pain Treatment Specialists, we perform lab tests to check for elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, C-reactive protein, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, any of which can signify RA, from the inflammatory process. X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds are also used to determine the severity of disease in your body. Fortunately, many medical treatments for RA are very effective.

In-Office Treatment:

• Corticosteroid Injections or prescriptions to reduce inflammation
• Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy
• Prescription of DMARDs (Enbrell, Orencia, Humira) to slow progression
• Surgeries like joint repair (a last resort, and often outpatient)

At-Home Knee Pain Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief:

While there is no cure for RA, a pain specialist provides significant relief. Our team of caring physicians forms relationships with each patient, complete with follow-up care. Here are remedies you can try from the comfort of home if advised by your doctor.

At-Home Treatment:

• Exercise and weight loss to reduce pressure on knees
• NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, Aleve) to reduce inflammation
• Heat/Ice Therapy to treat pain and swelling as directed
• Stretching for strength and mobility
• Balanced Rest- too much causes stiffness; not enough causes pain

Managing an Arthritis Flare Up of Osteoarthritis

OA, or “wear and tear” arthritis, is progressively degenerative. It can strike just one joint, but that increases risk of developing it in others. Unlike RA, OA is not systemic and won’t affect bodily organs. It occurs unilaterally more often than RA. A flare-up of RA is triggered by the immune system, whereas a “flare-up” of OA is linked to cumulative damage. In-office and at-home treatments for OA and RA have similarities, but also important differences.

In-Office Treatment for Osteoarthritis:

Diagnosis:

Osteoarthritis is the most common form, affecting over 30 million US adults. Doctors look for similar symptoms to RA like pain, stiffness, and swelling. However, unlike RA, there’s no blood test to confirm OA. Doctors perform blood work to rule out conditions like RA. They may test fluid from your knee to rule out infection. Imaging isn’t always needed to diagnose OA, but X-rays and MRIs detect severity of cartilage loss.

In-Office Treatment:

• Corticosteroid Injections or prescriptions reduce inflammation
• Lubricant Injections cushion the knee and relieve pain
• Physical or Occupational Therapy
• Prescription pain treatment (like Cymbalta)
• Bone Realignment or Joint Replacement (a last resort)

At-Home Osteoarthritis Relief:

Once your doctor has accurately diagnosed Osteoarthritis, they’ll recommend at-home knee pain treatments. Always check with your doctor before trying any home remedies for OA.

At-Home Treatment:

• Exercise and weight loss to reduce pressure on knees
• Heat/Ice Therapy for pain as directed
• Gentle stretching like yoga
• Pain relievers like Tylenol, Capsaicin, or Ibuprofen
• Braces or shoe inserts to relieve knee joint pressure
• Assistive devices like canes to unburden knees

In-Office and At-Home Treatments for Non-Arthritic Knee Pain

OA and RA commonly cause knee pain, but there are countless causes of painful knees. If you fall or sustain an injury, knee pain may be acute or chronic if untreated. Fractures, breaks, strains, and tears require medical attention.

Pain from strenuous exercise or labor may resolve with home remedies or may develop into Tendonitis, Bursitis, or Patellar Syndromes without treatment. In some cases, pain signifies a serious issue like Septic Arthritis, Sarcoma, or infection. In any case, when knee pain persists, see a doctor who offers in-office and at-home treatments for pain.

Common Treatments for Knee Pain

Pain Treatment Specialists takes a comprehensive medical history and performs tests as needed to pinpoint the cause of pain. We then offer gentle, outpatient procedures with minimal side effects and downtime. Here are some options for knee pain.

 In-Office Treatment:

• Steroid Knee Injections for inflammation
• Lubricant Injections for mobility and pain
• Genicular Nerve Blocks for pain
• Radiofrequency Ablation of Genicular Nerve
• Physical Therapy for mobility
• Prescription NSAIDs for pain and swelling
• “Knee water removal” to reduce fluid
• Surgery if needed

At-Home Treatment:

• R.I.C.E.- Protect, rest, ice, compress, and elevate
• Supportive shoes and assistive walking devices
• Low-impact exercise for pain and stiffness
• Weight management to unburden knees
• Pain relief like Tylenol and Ibuprofen
• Heat/Ice Therapy as directed
• Proper posture to protect knees

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