Everyone’s knee pain is different and at Revitalize Medical Center, we specialize in developing a unique care plan according to your lifestyle, medical needs, and pain severity. Unfortunately, knee pain is very common, especially as we get older, and could come from numerous underlying reasons. Knee pain treatment options vary depending on the cause and intensity of your pain. While it seems like a quick-fix, surgery is not always necessary or the only option. There are many other non-surgical treatment options for knee pain that can provide long term relief in noninvasive manners.
Dr. DeCaria, an anesthesiologist and pain physician with over eleven years of experience, in Evanston, and Glenview, IL has effectively treated knee pain from many different conditions through her unique approach that utilizes conventional medicine, as well as integrative and functional medicine. Prior to creating a unique plan for your knee pain, she will discuss your symptoms and experiences with you, review your diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, etc.), and do a full physical exam.
Below are some common treatment options for knee pain that are offered at Revitalize Medical Center.
- Steroid injections are a common pain-relieving procedure. This is a non-invasive treatment option that can be used as a treatment for temporarily relieving pain by administering an anti-inflammatory steroid. It can also be used as a diagnostic tool to test whether the correct source of pain has been identified. Steroid injections are performed using X-ray guided fluoroscopy simply to provide a precise roadmap for the procedure.
- Regenerative medicine options such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or stem cell therapy can be administered as an effective treatment for tissue or joint damage, ultimately treating your knee pain.
- PRP can be a beneficial option for patients suffering with chronic muscle and/or joint pain that have been unresponsive to other methods of treatment. This method involves utilizing platelets from your own blood, and injecting it into the painful knee joint. The platelets secrete growth factors that boost cell division and prompt tissue regeneration. If you have already tried the conservative care treatment options (anti-inflammatory medications, rest, physical therapy, or cortisone injections) and still continue to experience pain, you may be a good candidate for PRP and should consult this option with your physician. Not everyone is a good candidate for regenerative medicine.
- Stem Cell Therapy involves extracting stem cells from a different part of your body, then injecting them into the troublesome area, in this case the knee joint. Our bodies then use these stem cells to transform and regenerate the nearby tissues, a task unique to stem cells. Stem cells are able to morph into any type of cell nearby. This regeneration minimizes your knee joint pain.
- Gel injections, or viscosupplementation, involves injecting hyaluronic acid, a gel-like fluid, into the knee joint area. Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints for smoother movement, to facilitate movement, and reduce pain. This is an especially effective method for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, as studies have indicated these patients have a lower concentration of hyaluronic acid in their joints than usual. These treatments are offered at Revitalize Medical.
- Coolief Watercooled Genicular Ablation procedures use radiofrequency energy to deliver heat and essentially burn off the nerve to result in pain relief. In this case, water circulates through the device to cool the electrodes. This allows more radiofrequency energy to be safely delivered to the target nerves. Not many offices in Chicagoland offer the Coolief ® technique, but at Revitalize Medical Center we are highly skilled at performing water-cooled RF ablation.
- Medications such as anti-inflammatory medications and topical treatments can minimize your knee pain. Anti-inflammatory medications can decrease your knee pain by reducing inflammation and pain in your knee joint and muscles. Proper guidance from a physician is required to avoid further issues and determine the best medications for your condition.
- Lifestyle adjustments may be suggested to alleviate your knee pain. Incorporating short stretches and exercises into your day can work wonders. Stretching and home exercises can increase muscle flexibility and endurance. Some people may benefit from physical therapy which is guided rehabilitation by a physical therapist involving an individualized exercise routine to complete, both in the clinic and at home. At home self-care measures include resting and elevating the knee, applying heat or ice, or compression. Weight loss can also improve knee pain and Dr. DeCaria often utilizes her background as a certified health coach and functional medicine practitioner to partner with patients on their weight loss journey. Physical therapy is also highly effective in improving knee pain from a variety of conditions.
- Surgery is left as the last resort for patients experiencing knee pain, except if the pain is due to a structural injury, in which case surgery may be necessary. Knee pain surgical options vary depending on the cause of pain. Dr. DeCaria works closely with surgeons so that you can have seamless continuity of care.
Dr. DeCaria, board certified pain doctor, is an expert in identifying and treating the root cause of knee pain while collaborating with patients to create a treatment plan specifically designed for their needs that provides relief. Call Revitalize Medical Center to book your appointment in Glenview, IL or Evanston, IL with Dr. DeCaria today and put an end to your knee pain!
Disclaimer :
This website (including all pages and blog posts) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. To schedule an appointment at Revitalize Medical Center, please call (847) 834-4018.