There are many different misconceptions about knee pain from arthritis. You really need to enlist the assistance of a skilled orthopedic knee doctor, if you are experiencing pain and want to find relief. It is always important to see a doctor at the onset of pain so that you can slow or stop anything from happening.
Myth 1: Over the Counter Medication Will Be the Solution to Pain Relief
In reality, things like Ibuprofen and Motrin will not be able to alleviate pain in the knees due to osteoarthritis permanently. They may provide short-lived temporary relief, but will not be the end solution to helping your arthritis. You can take other medication prescribed by your orthopedic knee doctor that will offer better relief, and pair this with good exercise and diet changes that will help offer relief from your pain.
Myth 2: Young People Cannot Have Arthritis
Unfortunately, arthritis does not only happen to people as they age. It can happen to anyone at any age and needs to be treated early to slow the progression. No matter how old you are, if you begin feeling pain in your knees, you need to see an experienced orthopedic knee doctor to help you determine how to proceed.
Myth 3: You Can’t Exercise with Arthritis
The catch to this myth is that you cannot do certain exercises when you have arthritis. Some could be detrimental to your health, but it is actually very important to have gentle stretches and exercises to do to promote healing with your arthritis. Building strength around the knees can help alleviate pain in the area and keep pressure from building on your joints. A good physical therapist will be able to help you come up with exercises and gentle stretches to do at home so that you can manage your pain and continue to work on your health, even when you are not in the office.
Myth 4: Surgery Is the Best Option for Treating Arthritis Pain
Surgery should actually be a later resort for people with arthritis in their knees. It is always best to start with physical therapy and natural treatments, then move to surgery if nothing else is working. Surgery is a big decision to make and should never be a route taken lightly. You will actually likely still need physical therapy and rehabilitation after surgery, so you might as well try it before going under the knife.
Speak to an Orthopedic Knee Doctor Today
You should talk to an experienced orthopedic knee doctor right away if you are experiencing pain. He or she will know what the next steps for your health should be and can speak with you about what you would like to do moving forward. The sooner you reach out, the faster you can begin finding relief from your pain.