5 ways to manage arthritis knee pain

Arthritis of the knee can cause pain that keeps you from the activities you love. At HCA Florida Healthcare, our orthopedic specialists focus on knee joint care to help you move more comfortably. If you’re unsure where to start, try our free knee health risk assessment.

Dr. Anjan Shah, orthopedic surgeon with HCA Florida Healthcare, provides expert guidance on effective ways to manage knee arthritis.

1. With lifestyle changes

Making helpful lifestyle changes doesn’t have to mean big adjustments. Even small steps can make a big difference:

• Low-impact exercise: Running or high impact sports may worsen knee pain, but regular movement keeps joints less stiff. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga also strengthen the muscles around your knee.
• Losing weight: What you eat can make a difference. Extra body weight puts stress on your knees, and fat tissue can promote inflammation. Research from the Arthritis Foundation shows that losing 20% or more of your body weight can significantly reduce osteoarthritis knee pain.
• Hot and cold therapy: Heat therapy (warm baths, hot packs, warm towels) can ease stiffness, while cold therapy (ice packs, cooling sprays) can reduce swelling.

2. With physical therapy

It can be hard to know which exercises help versus harm your knees. Our physical therapists work closely with you and your doctor to design a personalized plan. They’ll teach you safe ways to strengthen muscles, improve range of motion and reduce inflammation.

3. Medications

There are several medication options for knee pain:

• Pills: Over the counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may be recommended.
• Topical treatments: Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory gels or patches applied directly to the knee can provide relief.

4. Injections

Your doctor can inject corticosteroids (steroids) into your knee, which can quickly reduce pain and swelling for a short period of time. Your doctor may also try a hyaluronic acid (HA) injection to help lubricate the knee. Results are mixed, but some patients experience relief for up to six months.

5. Knee replacement surgery

If other treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be the next step. At HCA Healthcare Florida, we offer several different types of knee replacement surgery. Our orthopedic surgeons will carefully review your health history and recommend the best surgery for you based on your specific symptoms and goals.

Options include:

• Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery. While a total knee replacement typically requires an eight-inch to 12-inch incision, minimally invasive knee replacement surgery requires a much smaller one. Smaller incisions mean less pain, faster recovery and reduced scarring.
• Partial knee replacement. If your arthritis only affects part of your knee, only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced, preserving healthy bone and tissue.
• Robotic knee replacement. Our orthopedic surgeons have advanced training in state-of-the-art robot-assisted knee replacement. During this type of surgery, your surgeon will control robotic arms for a controlled and precise operation.
• Total knee replacement. For severely damaged knees, we’ll perform a total knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty), using the most up-to-date metal and plastic implants to create a brand-new knee.

An experienced team, ready to help

Knee pain can significantly impact your life. If you find yourself saying “no” to the activities you love, it’s time to make an appointment with a knee pain specialist. There are many options we can try before surgery. But if surgery is the best option, our orthopedic surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists and neurologists are here to help you start saying “yes” again.

Orthopedic specialists you can count on

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we treat more than just knee pain. Our orthopedic team provides expert care for everything from minor sprains and pulled muscles to chronic joint pain and complex spinal conditions. Whether you’re managing arthritis or recovering from an injury, we’re here to help you move with confidence.

We’re proud to have hospitals ranked in the top 5% nationally for orthopedic services and joint replacement, with several recognized as Five-Star Recipients for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement by Healthgrades.

Let’s get you back to doing what you love — with less pain and more movement.