Knee Pain No More! Key Tips for Long Lasting Relief

This article is medically reviewed by Dr Valery Feigin | Professor of Neurology & Epidemiology and Director of NISAN (National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences), Auckland University of Technology.

Knee pain affects nearly 25% of adults globally, often limiting mobility and diminishing quality of life—especially among the elderly. As we age, our bodies undergo various physiological changes that can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility. Thus, we must understand the causes and implications of knee pain to identify effective management strategies.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

1. Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disease is the leading cause of knee pain in older adults. It occurs when the cartilage cushioning the knee joint wears down over time. This leads to pain, swelling and stiffness, especially after prolonged activity or inactivity.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation. This can lead to severe pain and swelling knees and is often accompanied by fatigue and other systemic symptoms.
3. Gout: Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, redness, and swelling. Recurrent flare-ups could also occur. While it most commonly affects the big toe, the knees can also be significantly impacted.

Impacts of Knee Pain

Knee pain can have far-reaching effects on an individual beyond physical discomfort.

One of the most significant impacts is reduced mobility. Chronic knee pain limits an individual’s ability to perform daily activities such as walking or even standing. This may lead to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of obesity and other health complications.

Moreover, the persistent discomfort and mobility limitations from knee pain can lead to frustration, anxiety and depression. Many elderly individuals may find themselves increasingly reliant on others for daily activities, exacerbating feelings of helplessness, a lack of control over their lives.

Management Strategies for Knee Pain

Addressing knee pain involves a multifaceted approach. Here are some management strategies that can help alleviate knee pain and improve your quality of life:

Gentle Exercises: Engaging in low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling and yoga, can strengthen the muscles around the knee, enhancing flexibility and improve overall joint function. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable exercises for individual needs.

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing stress on the knees. Even a small amount of weight loss can lead to significant improvements in knee pain and mobility.

Heat and Cold Therapy: Alternating heat and cold can provide relief from knee pain. Heat therapy can relax and soothe stiff muscles, while cold therapy can reduce swelling and numb sharp pain.

TENS Therapy: Drug-free, targeted pain relief solution

Another drug-free, non-invasive method for managing knee pain is the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy which provides targeted pain relief. TENS works by delivering low-voltage electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin to the nerves. This stimulation interferes with pain signals sent to the brain and boosts endorphin production, which is the body’s natural painkiller, for more effective pain relief.

Why OMRON TENS?

OMRON is a trusted brand in health technology and offers a range of compact and portable TENS devices, providing you with effective pain relief anytime, anywhere. TENS therapy can also be used together with other management strategies to enhance overall effectiveness of pain relief.

Knee pain should not dictate your life. By understanding its causes and implementing effective management strategies, you can take control of your mobility and comfort. To discover how OMRON TENS devices can offer you effective, drug-free pain relief, check out the innovative solutions available here to support your pain management journey. Take the first step towards a more comfortable life today!