Daily exercises, hydrotherapy, braces better than painkillers to reduce knee osteoarthritis, says study 

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage cushioning your knee slowly breaks down, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness (Image: Pexels)

Do your knees throb and stiffen with every step? Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is common in many older people. It turns everyday tasks into struggles. While it is common to reach for painkillers, a new study says that simple, non- drug treatments, like wearing a knee brace, doing gentle exercise or even hydrotherapy may work better and without any side-effects.

What is knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage cushioning your knee slowly breaks down, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. It’s common in older adults, athletes, and those with past knee injuries. Usual treatments often involve anti-inflammatory drugs, which can help but come with risks such as stomach problems and heart issues if used long-term. Many, who suffer,  find themselves stuck between managing pain and avoiding side effects.

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According to a study led by Dr Yuan Luo from China’s First People's Hospital of Neijiang, researchers analysed 139 clinical trials involving almost 10,000 patients to see which non-drug therapies truly help with KOA. They compared a dozen options, from knee braces and hydrotherapy to laser treatments and shockwave therapy.  Knee braces, water-based exercise, and general exercise consistently delivered the best results, while treatments like ultrasound offered little benefit.

Knee braces were found to significantly reduce pain and stiffness, providing extra support to the joint and helping it move with less strain. Hydrotherapy, or exercising in warm water, was a close second. The water’s buoyancy takes weight off sore joints, while its warmth eases inflammation—making it ideal for those struggling to move on dry land. Regular, low-impact exercise also proved powerful, strengthening muscles around the knee and improving mobility without any medication.

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How to reduce knee pain

Unlike drugs, which often mask symptoms but can cause serious side effects, these physical therapies tackle pain’s root causes. No pills, no prescriptions, only accessible treatments that help patients to take control of their health. The researchers recommend shifting clinical practice towards these safer options and investigating how combining therapies might boost results even further.

The study shows that if you suffer from aching knees, don’t rush for painkillers. As the study concludes, “Simple, accessible therapies like knee bracing and water-based exercise outperform high-tech options. Patients and clinicians should prioritise these low-risk treatments.”

FAQs on Causes of knee osteoarthritis

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage in the knee deteriorates, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It is common among older adults, athletes, and those with prior knee injuries. Treatments often include anti-inflammatory drugs, though these can cause stomach and heart issues with long-term use.

What are effective non-drug treatments for knee osteoarthritis?

A study led by Dr Yuan Luo analysed 139 clinical trials involving nearly 10,000 patients. The results showed that knee braces, hydrotherapy, and general exercise consistently provided the best outcomes in managing knee osteoarthritis, reducing pain and stiffness without the side effects associated with medications.

How do knee braces help with knee osteoarthritis?

Knee braces significantly reduce pain and stiffness by providing extra support to the joint, helping it move with less strain. They offer a non-drug alternative that can make daily activities more manageable for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

What is hydrotherapy, and how does it help with knee osteoarthritis?

Hydrotherapy, or exercising in warm water, alleviates knee osteoarthritis symptoms by reducing weight on the joints due to water’s buoyancy and easing inflammation with its warmth. This makes it ideal for individuals who have difficulty moving on dry land.

How can exercise benefit those with knee osteoarthritis?

Regular, low-impact exercise strengthens the muscles around the knee, improving mobility and reducing pain without medication. Physical activities like swimming, walking, and cycling provide effective, low-risk management options for knee osteoarthritis.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.