Non-Surgical Treatments for Knee Pain
Early non-surgical treatments can help you avoid and reduce knee pain and disability. They can also slow progression of your condition.
Lifestyle Changes
An important first step for many patients is to modify your lifestyle. Taking steps to avoid high-impact activities can be helpful. For example:
- Switch from running or jumping exercises to swimming or cycling
- Minimize activities that aggravate the condition, such as climbing stairs
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Rest your knee from overuse
Physical Therapy and Activity
Our highly skilled physical therapists work closely with you to help increase your joint's range of motion and strengthen muscles. Physical therapy and activity can reduce your knee pain and improve its functioning. Learn more about the UVM Medical Center Physical Therapy team.
Assistive Devices
Patients also benefit from using supportive devices such as a cane, energy-absorbing shoes or inserts, or a brace or knee sleeve, which may help relieve the stress and strain on your joints.
Other Treatments
Additional methods may be recommended to relieve knee pain and improve functioning. These can include:
- Applying heat or ice
- Doing water exercises
- Using liniments
- Using elastic bandages
Medication
Medication can be a very effective option for treating knee pain. At UVM Medical Center, we offer the full range of medical therapies and the latest medicines available to treat your condition.
Anti-inflammatory and Pain Medicines
Many patients use over-the-counter medications to help control pain and inflammation in the joints. These include:
- Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen to reduce inflammation
- Acetaminophen to control pain
- COX-2 inhibitors
This type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug may be prescribed if your knee pain is moderate to severe Cortisone injections. This treatment involves injecting powerful anti-inflammatory medicines into your joint to temporarily relieve pain and swelling. - Viscosupplementation
A special fluid is injected into the joint to lubricate it and make it easier to move. The fluid is a concentrate of hyaluronic acid, made from a molecule found in the joints of the body. Viscosupplementation is most effective if you have early arthritis, with mild to moderate symptoms.
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Locations
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111 Colchester Avenue
West Pavilion, Level 2
Burlington, Vermont 05401
Get Directionstel 802-555-1212
fax 802-555-1212Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PMPractice Rating
Practice rating: 4 out of 5 stars -
111 Colchester Avenue
West Pavilion, Level 2
Burlington, Vermont 05401
Get Directionstel 802-555-1212
fax 802-555-1212Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PMPractice Rating
Practice rating: 4 out of 5 stars -
111 Colchester Avenue
West Pavilion, Level 2
Burlington, Vermont 05401
Get Directionstel 802-555-1212
fax 802-555-1212Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PMPractice Rating
Practice rating: 4 out of 5 stars -
111 Colchester Avenue
West Pavilion, Level 2
Burlington, Vermont 05401
Get Directionstel 802-555-1212
fax 802-555-1212Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PMPractice Rating
Practice rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Care Providers
Department Name
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