If you suffer pain or sensitivity in both or one of your knees that does not stop after a short period, you may be suffering from chronic knee pain. Chronic knee pain may not be traceable to one single incident; some of the most common causes include tendinitis, a torn ligament, arthritis, a tumor, or a Baker's cyst.

It's possible for chronic knee pain to interfere with your quality of life, making it difficult for you to enjoy the activities you love. Here are a few treatment options to help reduce the discomfort caused by your chronic pain. Your exact treatment regimen will vary based on any detectable underlying causes for your chronic knee pain and your preferences. 

1. Complete Physical Therapy Sessions

Physical therapy is consistently recommended by orthopedic doctors to improve chronic knee pain. It's possible that imbalances in the strength levels of the other muscles in your leg are exasperating your knee pain. If you can strengthen the other muscles in your leg, this will encourage proper movement and stability in your knee.

If you're active or like to play sports, physical therapy can also help you understand the correct way to complete repetitive motions during your active periods. For example, you'll learn how to walk or complete weight-bearing exercises in ways that will minimize the stress on your knee. 

2. Undergo a Surgical Procedure to Repair the Damage

Should your orthopedic doctor detect an extensive amount of damage around your knee, they may recommend that you undergo a surgical procedure to repair the damage. Usually, surgery isn't your doctor's first recommendation. There is a significant healing time associated with having surgery, and you can expect to have a few weeks or even months of downtime from your daily activities. 

If you have tried other treatment alternatives with little success, it may be time to explore more dramatic options, like surgery. Though it's an intensive solution, it can greatly improve your quality of life once your knee has healed. 

3. Receive Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

PRP injections consist of platelets from your own body. These injections help your knee repair any damage to the tendons, muscles, ligaments, and joints by encouraging the production of reparative cells.

To prepare the injections, your doctor will first draw blood from you. Then, the platelets are separated from your blood and prepared for the injection. By using your own platelets, you minimize any chances of your body rejecting your injections, practically eliminating the likelihood of problematic side effects. 

For more information, contact a local clinic like Orthopaedic Associates Of Rochester. 

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