Estimates suggest that approximately 25% of American adults experience knee pain at some point in their lives. Too much or too little activity is the culprit for many knee pain cases, but diabetes and obesity can also lead to knee pain. 

With so much information out there regarding knee pain, it’s often hard to separate fact from fiction. To help you out, we asked our providers at Northview Medical to touch on some of the most common myths about knee pain.

1. Knee pain patients shouldn’t engage in physical activities 

Knee issues can be caused by overuse, especially in a work setting. However, becoming less active isn’t a solution. Research indicates that a sedentary lifestyle is often associated with knee pain as well.

Exercises that protect the joints, such as yoga or swimming, can help with stiffness and mobility. You can also combine light exercises with massage therapies and physical therapy to speed up your recovery.

2. Knee arthritis is inevitable as you age

As you age, the cartilage in your knee joints becomes eroded by wear and tear. Some genetic factors may speed up the breakdown of the cartilage tissue, but there are many controllable risk factors that go into developing knee arthritis. 

You may be able to delay or prevent arthritis in the knee by avoiding sports that involve repetitive movements, reducing inflammation, and maintaining a healthy weight.   

3. Pain medications are the only solution available for knee pain management 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a bad reputation when it comes to long-term use. 

Some researchers believe NSAIDs could increase your risk for blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. So it’s no surprise that many people are afraid of using these pain medications as a long-term solution. 

Depending on the cause of your knee pain, you may be able to manage the symptoms with massage therapy, stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy, laser therapy, or electric therapy. 

4. Physical therapy doesn’t help much

Physical therapy is noninvasive, so some people assume that it can’t possibly do much for knee pain. 

However, medical specialists almost always recommend physical therapy as the first line of treatment for knee pain. The right exercises can reduce the strain on your knee, strengthen the muscles surrounding your knee, and can reduce your risk for disability.

Learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of knee pain 

Our experts at Northview Medical specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of many types of knee pain, including knee pain caused by injuries, overuse, or arthritis. 

If your knee pain is limiting your range of motion and doesn’t respond to rest and ice packs, contact us to schedule an appointment and speak with one of our experts.