How to Choose the Right Treatment for Your Knee Pain

Rest and Activity Modification

Pros:

• Non-invasive: No medical intervention is required.
• Cost-effective: No expenses related to treatments or medications.
• Allows natural healing: Gives your body time to repair itself.

Cons:

• Possible slow recovery: Healing might take a long time, especially for more severe injuries.
• Risk of stiffness: Prolonged inactivity can lead to joint stiffness and muscle atrophy.

Physiotherapy

Pros:

• Improves mobility and strength: Tailored exercises can strengthen muscles around the knee.
• Non-invasive: No surgery or medications needed.
• Personalised treatment: Exercises are customised to your specific condition and needs.

Cons:

• Time-consuming: Requires regular sessions over a period of time.
• Effort-dependent: Effectiveness depends on the patient’s commitment and effort.
• May cause initial discomfort: Some exercises might be uncomfortable initially.

Medications

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers (e.g. Paracetamol,  Ibuprofen)

Pros:

• Easy access: Available without a prescription.
• Quick relief: Effective for reducing pain and inflammation.

Cons:

• Temporary solution: Does not address the underlying cause.
• Potential side effects: Long-term use can lead to gastrointestinal issues, liver damage, or kidney problems.

Prescription Medications

Pros:

• Stronger pain relief: More effective for severe pain.
• Targeted treatments: Specific medications can address particular conditions (e.g., inflammation).

Cons:

• Side effects: Risk of dependency, gastrointestinal issues, and other adverse effects.
• Requires prescription: Need to visit a doctor.

Injections

Corticosteroid Injections

Pros:

• Reduces inflammation quickly: Provides fast relief from pain and swelling.
• Minimally invasive: Simple outpatient procedure.

Cons:

• Temporary relief: Effects can wear off after a few months.
• Potential side effects: Risk of infection, cartilage damage, and weakening of tendons.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Pros:

• Lubricates the joint: Improves knee movement and reduces pain.
• Longer-lasting: Effects can last for several months.

Cons:

• Variable effectiveness: Not all patients experience significant relief.
• Cost: Can be expensive and might not be covered by insurance.

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture

Pros:

• Natural treatment: No drugs or chemicals involved.
• Personalised care: Treatment is tailored to individual needs.

Cons:

• Variable effectiveness: This may not work for everyone.
• Requires multiple sessions: Relief may take several treatments.

Supplements (e.g., Glucosamine, Chondroitin)

Pros:

• Non-invasive: Simple to incorporate into daily routine.
• Natural: Fewer side effects compared to medications.

Cons:

• Limited scientific evidence: Effectiveness is still debated.
• Long-term use required: Benefits might take time to manifest.

Surgical Options

Arthroscopy

Pros:

• Minimally invasive: Small incisions and quicker recovery.
• Effective for certain conditions: Good for meniscal tears, removing loose cartilage or loose bodies and ligament reconstruction.

Cons:

• Not suitable for all issues: Limited to specific types of knee problems.
• Risk of complications: Infection, blood clots, and anaesthesia risks.

Partial or Total Knee Replacement

Pros:

• Long-term solution for degenerative knee conditions:
• Can significantly reduce or eliminate pain.
• Improves quality of life:
• Enhances mobility and function.

Cons:

• Major surgery: Involves significant recovery time and rehabilitation.
• Risk of complications: Infection, blood clots and implant issues.
• Longevity of implants: May need revision surgery in the future.