Afflicting millions of people each day, knee pain wreaks havoc on your overall quality of life. It can restrict movement, reduce strength, and affect muscle control. If no proper treatment is provided, ligament tears can take years to heal.

According to studies, about 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain in their life, and knee pain is the second most common cause. The knee is a complicated structure comprising of tibia, patella, and femur. The vulnerable joint bears a great deal of stress from standing, walking, bending, and lifting.

What are the common knee pain problems?

Knee pain results either from aging or continual wear and tear of the joint. Some common knee problems include:

• Torn cartilage
• Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Sprain or strain

What are the symptoms of knee pain?

The symptoms of knee pain vary from one person to another. The cause of knee pain affects how you feel the pain. A few signs and symptoms that accompany knee pain include:

• Inability to straighten the knee
• Weakness
• Redness and warmth to touch
• Sudden and severe pain
• Popping noise
• Swelling or stiffness

Before deciding on knee surgery, you should consider two effective nonsurgical alternatives to relieve pain and lead an independent life. 

• Physiotherapy – Aimed at providing maximum mobility and strength, physiotherapy helps reduce knee pain. A physiotherapist will evaluate your walking or moving and reduce excessive strain. Your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the results of your test and may include stretching, balance training, gait training, and strengthening in your treatment plan.

• Acupuncture – By inserting thin needles through the skin, acupuncture can alleviate knee pain. A minimally invasive procedure can decrease inflammation, speed healing time, and improve blood circulation. Experienced professionals for acupuncture in Calgary can help you lead a better quality of life.

Apart from physiotherapy and acupuncture, one can visit chiropractors or massage therapists, depending on the severity of the pain.