Research suggests that acupuncture may help alleviate knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Acupuncture involves the placement of fine needles like a hair. Acupuncture involves placing hair-thin needles on the skin at specific locations on the body. Knee pain can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and by taking a rest from physical activities.
Gentle stretching and other low-impact exercises can strengthen the muscles that support the knee joint. Start by stretching your heel, calf, quadriceps and hamstrings, and work your way up to a half squat, calf raises and other leg lift variations. Half squats are a great way to strengthen your quadriceps, glutes and hamstrings without straining your knees. Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, giving you better support and stability.
Therapists create exercises to improve movement and reduce stiffness. They help you regain function and learn proper techniques. Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for knee pain. It focuses on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, improving flexibility and correcting movement patterns to reduce tension in the joint.
The right combination of strengthening and stretching exercises can alleviate pain by helping to improve the way the joint moves and works.