They include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
Weight loss to ease pressure on joints is a common strategy.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health
Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health
1.
Aquatic exercise workouts may deliver short-term benefits but research results are mixed.
Examples include lifting weights, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and working with resistance bands.
Stretching
Stretching exercises can help people diagnosed with arthritis to manage knee pain.
Tai Chi
Research on tai chi has demonstrated benefits for people experiencing OA pain and stiffness.
The best way to learn tai chi, a practice in traditional Chinese medicine, is with an instructor.
You may want to watch a class first before you commit.
Attention to your diet can help you to keep your weight under control and reduce inflammation and pain.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight can be beneficial to your knee joints.
This is because there is reduced stress on your knees.
More inflammation means more knee joint pain.
Many anti-inflammatory diets follow a whole-foods, plant-based diet structure that is free of refined and processed foods.
These can help you to manage the pain and inflammation associated with knee arthritis.
NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining and lead to an ulcer and other stomach issues.
NSAIDs can also increase blood pressure and raise your risk for heart disease.
Chronic use of NSAIDs can lead to kidney damage.
Excessive use of acetaminophen can lead to liver injury.
Supplements
Some people use supplements to manage knee pain from all types of arthritis.
Ginger
Ginger has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help decrease pain and inflammation.
A 2020 review of seven studies found benefits for people living with OA symptoms but more research is needed.
It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce inflammation and pain throughout the body.
What About Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
Glucosamine and chondroitinare components of healthy cartilage.
Both are produced naturally in the body.
They are also available in supplement form.
Some studies have shown pain relief and function improvement for OA, but others have not.
The 2019 ACR/Arthritis guidelines recommend that people with knee OA not use these supplements.
OTC Topical Remedies
Topical pain relievers are treatments that are applied to the skin.
They work to dull pain.
Some of these contain the same ingredients that NSAIDs contain.
Lidocaine patches and creams can also be helpful and are found in over-the-counter formulations.
Others containcapsaicin, the compound found in chill peppers that makes them hot.
Both topical NSAIDs and capsaicin are recommended by the 2019 ACR/Arthritis Foundation guidelines for managing OA of the knee.
They can be mixed to produce maximum effects.
you’ve got the option to use a hot water bottle or a heating pad.
Some people can get the most out of knee pain relief when they alternate heat and cold therapy.
you could purchase a knee brace or sleeve at a drugstore.
you’re able to also talk to your healthcare provider about a more customized option.
Mind-Body Practices
Studies have shown that mind-body practices like yoga and regular meditation can help to ease arthritis symptoms.
Yoga is also a great way to stretch knee joints and calm your mind at the same time.
It is a mind-body practice that combines physical stretching, breathing, and meditation or relaxation.
It can help with pain relief and in improving muscle strength and mobility of the joints.
Acupuncture
There are mixed reviews on the benefits of acupuncture in treating arthritis knee pain.
A 2022 review of treatment guidelines issued by professional organizations and medical associations found support for acupuncture was inconsistent.
Some symptoms and causes will require medical care.
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