Like many people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, you may not find complete relief through traditional medications alone. Fortunately, there are a variety of alternative solutions out there that can supplement medications, including dietary supplements, physical therapy and exercise. Sometimes, finding the right approaches can take trial and error; however, many treatments have been proven effective for the knee pain due to arthritis.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are the two most popular supplements for arthritis pain. In addition to maintaining the condition of knee cartilage, glucosamine may also have anti-inflammatory properties. The Arthritis Foundation, citing the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial of 2006, reports that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin provided significant relief for individuals with moderate-to-severe arthritis, although the supplements were no better than a placebo for those with milder arthritis pain. If you take blood thinners, are allergic to shellfish or have diabetes, you shouldn't take these supplements without first consulting with your doctor.
SAMe
S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, is another dietary supplement that may benefit some individuals with arthritis of the knee. Like glucosamine and chondroitin, SAMe may repair cartilage and also act as a pain reliever comparable to common anti-inflammatory medications, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). SAMe may actually affect how the nervous system perceives pain. The AAFP reports that while SAMe may be an effective arthritis treatment, some formulations have questionable stability and shelf life. Because of this, they recommend that you research brands thoroughly. You should also discuss using SAMe with your doctor, since it may interfere with certain medications.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are skilled in working with people who have arthritis pain. Not only can physical therapists use modalities such as heat, ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to help control arthritis pain, but they can demonstrate techniques to protect the knee joint. The Mayo Clinic recommends physical therapy for those with individuals with arthritis in order to increase joint stability and range of motion. In addition, physical therapists can prescribe an exercise routine designed specifically with your arthritic knee in mind, so that you may strengthen the surrounding muscles safely.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny needles into the skin at certain energy points. Many people find acupuncture effective for pain control, including those with arthritis of the knee. Acupuncture has few side effects, and it can be combined with your regular treatment regime without worry of drug interactions. The Mayo Clinic reports that acupuncture's lasting pain relief benefits are questionable; however, it is generally a low-risk procedure and may provide temporary relief for some. Be sure to select a licensed practitioner.
Gentle Exercise
Maintaining joint mobility and strengthening the muscles around the knee can help reduce episodes of knee pain. Low-impact exercise is key to managing arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation recommends 30 minutes of low-impact exercise daily. Some examples of arthritis-appropriate exercises include walking, cycling and swimming. In addition, the Mayo Clinic recommends both yoga and Tai chi. In addition to gentle strengthening, these exercise programs may also help you with pain control.
