Category: Knee Pain

A Comprehensive Guide On Electrical Stimulation Therapy For Knee Pain

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Chronic knee pain affects over 25% of the population, making it one of the most widespread musculoskeletal disorders worldwide. And, given how much we rely on our knees for everyday activities, it is easy to estimate the extent of the impact that this condition may have on a person’s life. 

From dealing with recurring pain and reduced mobility to facing the challenges associated with unmanageable care costs and declining productivity, chronic knee pain can certainly be debilitating. To make things worse, patients with a chronic or degenerative knee condition have two, equally undesirable options: relying on pain medications or undergoing surgery. 

However, approaches such as electrical stimulation therapy are now offering a non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive alternative to treat knee pain. Let’s look at how these therapies work and how effective they are below.

Electrical Stimulation For Knee Pain

Electrical stimulation – also known as neuromodulation or E-stim – is a pain management approach that uses electricity to decrease knee pain and discomfort. During the treatment, mild pulses of electrical current are delivered to the area affected by pain with the use of sticky pads.

The pulses of electricity will produce a cascade of effects, including:

  • Stimulating blood flow: The electrical pulses can promote the flow of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the injured area, thus supporting the body’s ability to heal and regenerate damaged tissue. This can also reduce inflammation which, in turn, will ease swelling, redness, and stiffness. 
  • Triggering the release of endorphins: Similarly to massage therapy, electrical stimulation can trigger the release of chemicals known as endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. 
  • Modulating how your brain processes pain: The electrical pulses will act by “flooding” the nervous system and preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. The current may also be able to trigger a shift of electrical charge in pain neurons in the brain (a process known as depolarization), which can reset your perception of pain and lead to long-lasting relief from pain. 
  • Helping the muscles contract properly: E-stim can stimulate muscle movements, which can help prevent muscle shrinking (atrophy). Loss of muscle mass can be a complication of disability and prolonged immobilization and can contribute to further damage to the knee components. 

Being non-drug, non-surgical, and non-pharmaceutical, this approach can be used by a large percentage of the population with minimal risks.

With the guidance of a specialized healthcare professional, electrical stimulation can be used to address a wide range of conditions that cause knee pain. The most common ones are: 

  • Excessive stress 
  • Direct trauma
  • Fractures or dislocations
  • Torn tendons or ligaments (i.e.: sprains or strains)
  • Inflammatory conditions (i.e.: tendonitis and bursitis)
  • Arthritis and osteoarthritis

With over 303 million cases worldwide, osteoarthritis is the leading cause of knee pain among older adults. This degenerative condition causes the breakdown of the joint’s components, thus leading to pain, reduced mobility, and in severe cases, disability. 

Some other factors that increase your risk of suffering from knee pain later in life include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and overuse. 

Given the permanent or degenerative nature of most conditions affecting the knee, electrical stimulation therapy represents a more sustainable pain management approach compared to pain medications or surgery.

Different Types Of Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Electrical stimulation therapies are often used as part of a more comprehensive physical therapy and pain management program, usually in combination with other therapies. 

Below, we’ll look at the different types of e-stim therapies and when they should be used to treat knee pain.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is one of the most popular types of neuromodulation therapy. TENS units are today available as over-the-counter devices and allow for the self-administration of the treatment. 

Using TENS units for knee pain may provide relief from pain by interrupting or altering the pain signals traveling from damaged tissues in the knee joint to the brain.

How Does It Work?

TENS is performed using a portable, battery-operated device attached to a set of electrodes (sticky pads) that are placed around the knee joint. Selecting the right setting, the device will send mild pulses of electricity through the skin and the joint’s components.

The surge of electrical activity in the area will temporarily stop pain signals from reaching the brain and spinal cord, where they should be processed. This action, coupled with the release of endorphins and a reduction of inflammation, can ease painful sensations. 

Depending on your TENS device, you may be able to choose one of many different settings and adjust the rate at which the pulses are delivered (frequency). 

This kind of e-stim therapy is the most commonly used one to address both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) knee pain.

Case Studies On Effectivity

Studies conducted in 2000 show that TENS can be used in the management and modulation of knee pain deriving from osteoarthritis. In a review published in 2015 by Cochrane, using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduced pain intensity by 50% in half of the patients studied.

However, not all studies have reached the same conclusions. According to a randomized controlled trial published in 2015, TENS improved subjective measures, such as pain intensity, functional abilities, and quality of life. However, a clinical trial published in 2021 in the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal shows that TENS may not improve osteoarthritis pain.

Neuromuscular Electrostimulation (NMES)

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a procedure used to deliver mild pulses of electrical current to weak or paralyzed muscles. The electrical pulses help the muscles contract properly, which improves muscle strength, promotes blood circulation, and relieves muscle spasms. 

This therapy works by stimulating the nerve endings located within the muscles. These nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system – or the nerves located outside the brain and the spinal cord – and are responsible for transmitting signals relating to muscle movements to the brain.

How Does It Work?

NMES works similarly to TENS units. Electrodes attached to a battery-operated device are applied to the areas around the knee. Mild pulses of electrical current are then delivered to the muscles that support the knee joint to re-educate the muscles to contract properly. 

During an NMES therapy session, the electrodes are attached to the knee while you are performing everyday tasks, such as walking. As your leg moves, the electrical stimulation turns on, thus instructing the muscles to contract when they are supposed to contract. Vice-versa, the stimulation turns off when your muscles are supposed to relax or rest. 

This form of therapy may help people regain their knee function after surgery (i.e.: total knee arthroplasty) or a long period of immobilization following an injury. 

NMES may also be used in people with arthritis to strengthen the muscles surrounding a weakened knee joint or to prevent a loss of muscle mass that may occur due to disuse.

Case Studies On Effectivity

Studies show promising results that NMES can help patients regain their muscle function. 

According to a 2019 study published by Frontiers, re-educating muscles to contract properly can play a role in the management and prevention of chronic conditions, especially in individuals who are unable to practice physical exercise. 

The same study suggests NMES can prevent muscle atrophy in patients with reduced mobility, help maintain muscle strength, and support recovery from invasive surgeries such as total knee arthroplasty. 

A 2012 study also shows that undergoing NMES therapy for 8 weeks helps patients with knee osteoarthritis improve their quadriceps strength and overall health.

Interferential Current Therapy (ICT)

Interferential Current Therapy (ICT) is a type of electrical stimulation therapy used to modulate pain and improve blood circulation to damaged tissues. 

This double action ensures that the pulses can reach deeper into the tissue and inhibit the transmission of pain signals to the brain. ICT may also be more effective in boosting blood circulation and triggering the release of pain-relieving hormones like endorphins. 

How Does It Work?

Although ICT is similar to TENS in many ways, this kind of therapy differs in that it delivers two pulses of electricity at two different medium frequencies. The pulses alternate throughout a single session and can be adjusted and varied to address different types of painful tissues. 

During an ICT session, one of the pulses is kept at a constant frequency (usually 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, or 6000 Hz), while the other one varies within a range of frequencies. This prevents your body from becoming used to the current and improves this therapy’s efficiency. 

ICT is often recommended to patients with knee osteoarthritis because of the longer-lasting pain-relieving action, but it can also be used in the treatment of sprains, strains, and joint damage.

Case Studies On Effectivity

A systematic review conducted in 2015 on the efficacy of various electrical stimulation therapies suggests that ICT is the most prominent pain management method for knee osteoarthritis. 

Additionally, a 2021 study on the analgesic effects of ICT shows that this therapy can efficiently relieve pain in people with knee osteoarthritis and post-operative knee pain. The same study highlights that the frequencies selected during the ICT therapy did not have an impact on its analgesic effects.

Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS)

Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is sometimes referred to as Russian stimulation. This therapy works similarly to Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and aims to re-educate the muscles to contract properly during movement. 

This aids the maintenance of muscle mass and prevents muscle atrophy in people with degenerative knee conditions, limited mobility, temporary or permanent immobilization, and disability.

How Does It Work?

EMS is similar to NMES: it delivers electrical current to the nerve endings within the muscles to trigger contractions. However, EMS uses intermittent and alternating medium-frequency electrical pulses (Russian Current), which help create more powerful or forceful movements in muscles that are otherwise unable to contract. 

This therapy may be used to help strengthen the muscle mass around a weakened knee joint, which can happen due to osteoarthritis. Although EMS is sometimes used in physical therapy and weight loss programs, it is mainly recommended to relieve muscle spasms, prevent muscle loss, and retrain muscles to contract properly.

Case Studies On Effectivity

According to a 2019 study, EMS can be considered to be an affordable and efficient instrument to ease pain and speed up recovery following an athletic knee injury, such as a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear. The same study shows that EMS may be efficient in promoting the health and strength of the quadriceps muscle group after ACL repair surgery.

A 2017 study conducted on rats also shows that the use of Russian stimulation can speed up the bone regeneration process.

Benefits Of Electrical Stimulation Therapy

According to the research and case studies seen above, electrical stimulation may have analgesic – or pain-relieving – effects in people suffering from a range of conditions causing knee pain. 

But the benefits of these therapies go beyond simply easing discomfort. Let’s look at these benefits below:

  • Reduce chronic pain: By interrupting the pain signals traveling to the brain, e-stim therapy reduces painful sensations and discomfort in people with chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis. 
  • Decrease inflammation and swelling: A study published in 2023 by The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research shows that electrical stimulation may help relieve inflammation by stopping the release of inflammatory molecules in the brain. 

Additionally, by forcing the muscles to contract, e-stim combats the build-up of fluids and swelling that occurs when the muscles are still for too long (edema). 

  • Improve range of motion: E-stim therapies help reduce the swelling and stiffness caused by inflammation, which can help you move your knee joint more freely.
  • Reduce muscle spasms: When used for muscle stimulation, electrical stimulation can modulate the activity of motor nerves within the muscles. This helps reduce involuntary movements such as spasms, fasciculations, and cramps, which are often caused by motor nerves misfiring spontaneously. 
  • Improve neuromuscular rehabilitation: E-stim therapies can be used to help patients build up or maintain muscle mass in the event of immobilization or reduced mobility. When used to retrain muscle contraction, e-stim can promote greater mobility, help reduce the risk of muscle atrophy, and support overall musculoskeletal health. 

What To Expect During The E-Stim Therapy

What to expect during e-stim therapy depends on the type of device used and the results you are looking to achieve. Before your first session, your healthcare provider will guide you through each step of the therapy, aftercare, and expected results. 

Below, you’ll find an overview of what happens during an electrical stimulation therapy session.

The Process

Normally, electrical stimulation therapy is used as part of a broader physical therapy or rehabilitation program that aims to restore knee function, support recovery from an injury, or reduce pain. 

In these cases, the therapy is administered by a professional using medical-grade devices. You’ll be instructed on how many sessions are needed to achieve the desired results and on the best type of e-stim for your needs. Below, we’ll look at what happens during and after the therapy. 

Note: Some TENS units are also available as over-the-counter devices. Although these devices allow you to self-administer the treatment, they come with reduced electrical power. The limited strength and frequency of the electrical pulses may not be enough to improve your knee pain.

During The Therapy

Most electrical stimulation units are battery-powered devices attached to electrodes via thin wires. The electrodes are adhesive pads that are temporarily placed on the skin and can be easily removed at the end of the session. 

During the therapy, mild pulses of electrical current are delivered to the area receiving treatment via the electrodes. With the supervision of a professional, the electrical current is adjusted to provide powerful – but not painful – stimulation. 

Note: While e-stim may cause tingling and “pin and needles” sensations, it should not be painful. Tell your doctor immediately if you are experiencing pain. 

Some electrical stimulation therapies – such as the ones used to address knee pain deriving from arthritis and joint conditions – are passive, meaning that you will relax during treatment. Oppositely, when e-stim is used to improve muscle mass, prevent muscle atrophy, or retrain your muscles to contract properly, you may need to engage in movements such as walking. 

Let’s look at the e-stim therapy process in more detail below.

Application Of Electrodes

After determining the area of pain and what’s causing it, your healthcare provider will start the therapy by placing the electrodes around the knee. Usually, two or four pads are placed in the area around the knee, on the front, back, and sides of the joint. 

The most common placement for the electrodes is illustrated below:

Your doctor will determine how many pads you need and where they should be placed. However, usually, the pads’ placement is determined by where you feel pain. A few rules include:

  • Two pads are used if the pain is localized to a smaller area
  • Four pads are applied if the pain radiates from the knee to the surrounding structures
  • The kneecap should be avoided, but the electrodes can be placed around it
  • Placing the pads at the front of the knee can help with joint problems such as arthritic pain
  • Placing the pads on the side of the knee can support muscle contraction and re-education after injury or immobilization. 
  • The pads can also be placed at the back of the knee if that’s where the source of pain is

If the therapy is administered within clinical settings, your healthcare provider will place the electrodes for you. If you decide to use an at-home TENS unit, you may follow the instructions of your doctor to correctly place the electrodes. 

You should not place the electrodes on:

  • Infected or irritated skin
  • Skin that has recently been treated with radiation
  • Open wounds
  • Near the nose, eyes, or mouth
  • Reproductive organs
  • Areas of the body with inhibited sensation or numbness

The pads should be applied to clean and dry skin. They should not touch each other or any metal object, such as a belt buckle.

Gradual Increase Of Electrical Current

Once the electrodes are correctly placed around the knee, the electrical stimulation device is turned on on the lower setting. The electrical pulses are fine-tuned based on the following parameters: 

  • Frequency: The rate at which pulses of electricity are delivered. Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz). 
  • Intensity: How intense the sensations caused by the electrical current are. 
  • Pulse Width: How long each pulse of electricity lasts. Pulse width is measured in microseconds (μs).

Low-intensity pulses will cause you to experience tingling and “pin and needles” sensations. These sensations are known as paresthesia and, while they may feel strong, they should be comfortable and not painful. 

The therapy provider will gradually increase the intensity and frequency of the electrical pulses to cause sensations that are closer to your pain threshold. If the treatment is administered to build or maintain muscle mass, you may also experience mild muscle twitches and contractions.

How Long Is The Therapy?

Each electrical stimulation therapy can last between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on which condition you are aiming to treat and what type of therapy is used. At-home TENS units can be used for 30-60 minutes up to four times a day. 

According to a 2003 study, the best results among people with osteoarthritic knee pain were achieved when electrical stimulation was used for 40 to 60 minutes, 5 days a week for 2 weeks. 

Additionally, a 2019 study shows that NMES, when administered for 20 minutes 3 times a day for 6 weeks, can help patients regain knee function after total knee replacement surgery. 

The effects of electrical stimulation can last between 5 minutes and 18 hours.

Post-Therapy Care

As a non-invasive therapy, electrical stimulation does not involve long periods of downtime or recovery. However, your doctor may recommend aftercare instructions that can improve the therapy’s results and prevent injuries. 

Some guidelines include:

  • Take care of the skin areas where the pads were applied, as they may be sensitive or irritated. 
  • Interrupt the treatment if your skin is not tolerating the electrodes well, or if you feel dizzy. 
  • After treatment, avoid strenuous activities. Instead, opt for light exercise and rest as needed. 
  • If you have been given a unit to use at home, clean the pads and safely store your unit.

Risks And Limitations Of Electrical Stimulation Therapy

When administered by a professional and following a health exam, electrical stimulation is considered to be safe.

Although minor, some risks you may run when choosing this therapy include:

  • Allergic reactions to the glue that makes the electrodes adhesive
  • Skin irritation and contact dermatitis
  • Momentary increase in painful sensations
  • Tingling and “pin and needles” sensations
  • Muscle fatigue and mild twitching (due to e-stim overuse)
  • Decreased blood pressure 

A study conducted in 2015 also shows that the chronic use of low-frequency electrical stimulation can contribute to the accumulation of waste materials in the muscle fibers, which can lead to muscle fatigue and damage.  

At-home TENS units are considered safe because of the low strength of the electrical pulses they deliver. Nonetheless, you should apply the electrodes with care to avoid sensitive areas such as the genitals and abdomen. Electric stimulation devices should not be used when bathing or showering.

When You Should Avoid Using E-Stim

As seen above, electrical stimulation can be a valid pain management option for a range of knee conditions. However, just like any other treatment, this type of therapy isn’t equally suitable or safe for everyone. 

In particular, e-stim is contraindicated for:

  • Pregnant women, especially during the first trimester
  • Patients wearing a medical implant or device, such as internal hearing aids or pacemakers)
  • Epileptic patients
  • Patients with deep vein thrombosis (the increased blood circulation may increase the risk of blood clots)
  • Patients with a history of cancer in the past five years
  • Patients with actively bleeding tissue or a history of bleeding disorders
  • Patients with heart disease

You should also avoid using electrical stimulation to address pain that has not been properly diagnosed.

Improve The Quality Of Your Life With The Right Treatment

Chronic or acute knee pain can inhibit activities that are part of a normal and fulfilling life, such as climbing stairs, enjoying walks outdoors, taking care of yourself, cooking, or moving around your home. But taking pain medications daily or undergoing a total knee arthroplasty are no longer the only options to manage your pain. 

Electrical stimulation can provide long-lasting relief from pain without drugs or surgery. With Neurofunctional Pain Management, you can access ad hoc e-stim and electroanalgesia programs designed around your needs.

How Effective Is Using A TENS Unit For Knee Pain?

Posted on by Will Bozeman

If you have knee pain, chances are that every aspect of your life is affected by your condition – and, you are certainly not alone. 

Over a quarter of the US population today struggles with the consequences of knee pain, like reduced range of motion, unmanageable care costs, inhibited sports performance, and declining productivity. 

If the prognosis is to live with chronic pain for years to come, it is only understandable to look for alternative treatments that don’t include popping pills or surgery. So, if you’ve come across at-home TENS for knee pain, you might be wondering whether this therapy is safe and efficient. 

In this guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of electrical stimulation for knee pain and get guidance on how to choose the best neurofunctional pain management method for your needs. Let’s dive in!

How TENS Works To Help With Knee Pain

The management of pain through electrical stimulation is a field of study that goes back thousands of years. 

However, it was only with the introduction of patient-wearable TENS units in the 1970s that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation became a valid pain treatment option for millions of people worldwide. 

But is TENS as effective as it is promised to be? Here’s what you need to know about how TENS works to ease knee pain.

Common Causes Of Knee Pain

To understand how TENS for knee pain works, it’s important to clarify what the root causes of this condition are. Most knee conditions derive from damaged tissue in the joint area, often caused by excessive stress, overuse, direct trauma, degenerative diseases, and risk factors such as obesity and aging.

Common knee conditions that cause acute or chronic knee pain include:

  • Sprains and strains: Torn ligaments or tendons (such as the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL) in the knee joint area can affect the knee’s stability and cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. 
  • Inflammatory conditions: Conditions such as bursitis or tendonitis arise when components of the knee joint become irritated or inflamed due to overuse or improper knee mechanics. 
  • Arthritis: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that wears down the cartilage that cushions joint movements and safeguards bones from friction. OA is among the most common causes of knee pain, affecting 14 million people in the US, and is a major cause of disability among older people.
  • Injuries and direct trauma: Fractured bones or ruptured tendons and ligaments can cause damage to hard and soft tissues in the knee area and cause severe pain.

How TENS Encourages The Body’s Own Pain Management Mechanisms

Electrical stimulation is considered to be an efficient treatment for knee pain that allows patients to manage their discomfort without surgery or medications. Beyond the analgesic (pain-relieving) effect of this therapy, electrical stimulation also supports the regeneration of tissue in the affected area by promoting blood flow and reducing inflammation. 

Thanks to the widespread availability of at-home TENS, people opt for this option to take advantage of the beneficial effects of electrical stimulation. TENS devices work by delivering mild pulses of electrical current to the affected area via electrodes (sticky pads). 

The electrical impulses act by triggering the body of pain-relieving agents such as endorphins, which can counteract the feeling of pain and fatigue you might feel due to your knee condition. 

But, even more importantly, it provides a concrete example of the “Gate Control Theory of Pain”: the electrical impulses “flood” the nervous system, thus closing the “gates” pain signals used to travel between the knee and the brain. In turn, this stops you from feeling pain during treatment.

When You Should Avoid TENS

Generally, this form of therapy is considered to be safe for at-home use. 

Nonetheless, there are some contraindications worth keeping in mind. Consult your doctor before using TENS if you have one or more of the following conditions:

  • You are pregnant (especially in the early stages of pregnancy) 
  • You wear a medical implant or metal device (i.e., pacemakers or internal hearing aids)
  • You have epilepsy
  • You have an open wound or irritated skin in the knee area
  • You suffer from heart and blood conditions

If your pain has not been properly diagnosed or you have a history of cancer in the past 5 years, you should also seek the advice of a healthcare specialist. 

What To Watch Out For When Resorting To At-Home TENS

At-home TENS units are often the go-to alternative for people attempting to benefit from electrical stimulation. But while these devices are readily available over the counter or online, it’s important to be aware of the fact that not all units are FDA-approved, safe, or strong enough to ease the pain. 

If you are in doubt or looking for a more personalized treatment for your knee pain, the Neuragenex team can help.

Why People Use A TENS Unit For Knee Pain

If you have heard that electrical stimulation might benefit your knee condition and support the healing of damaged tissue, you might be getting ready to try TENS. 

But what makes this type of therapy so popular? Let’s find out together. 

Non-Invasive

Around 750,000 knee surgeries and knee replacements are performed each year, and this number is expected to rise alongside life expectancy rates and the prevalence of obesity. 

That’s where the greatest advantage of TENS comes in. At-home TENS involves nothing more than placing electrodes on the knee area and choosing the right setting. In turn, this form of therapy allows you to manage pain in the long term, and without surgical procedures or pharmaceutical treatments.

Convenient

Being non-invasive and generally safe, TENS can be self-administered within the comfort of your own home and at your convenience. 

What’s more, 2019 estimations show that pharmaceutical or surgical treatments for conditions such as knee osteoarthritis cost each patient between $12,400 and $16,000, making TENS a far more affordable alternative.

 

 

The Drawbacks Of Using TENS For Knee Pain

Ultimately, at-home TENS units are widely available, which gives patients the chance to try out electrical stimulation for pain management without significant financial or lifestyle commitments. 

But choosing commercially-available TENS devices over professionally-administered treatments comes with its fair share of drawbacks. Here’s what you should be aware of.

Current And Wavelength Are Not Strong Enough

The reason why over-the-counter TENS units are safe to use at home and without any training is that these devices are only designed to deliver mild electrical pulses.

But if these limitations make them harmless, they also make them ineffective to treat severe, acute, and chronic pain.

A 2007 review that compares Conventional (mild) TENS, Acupuncture-Like TENS, and Intense TENS shows that Intense TENS is best to treat small areas (like the knee) with high-frequency electrical pulses. 

While these pulses offer powerful analgesic effects, they are just tolerable by the patient. In turn, high-frequency TENS should only be administered by a specialized professional using medical-grade devices to avoid dangerous side effects.

Does Not Address All Sources Of Knee Pain

An evaluation conducted in 2000 shows that conventional TENS and Acupuncture-Like TENS are effective methods of pain management and modulation. Nonetheless, commercially-available units might not be powerful enough to address the underlying cause of knee pain. 

This means that with a TENS device, you might be able to feel a reduction of pain during and just after the treatment (up to 24 hours). However, if you are looking to support the active regeneration of tissue and kick-start the body’s healing process, at-home TENS might simply not be enough.

May Not Be Covered By Insurance

Because of the wavelength and power limitations of at-home TENS units, they cannot be classified as true electroanalgesia (the management of pain through electrical stimulation). What’s more, over-the-counter devices are created to be safely used by anyone, regardless of training or experience. 

In turn, health insurance companies won’t cover at-home TENS for knee pain. You might be able to obtain coverage if your doctor deems this procedure “medically necessary” or as a treatment for postoperative acute pain. 

Even if Medicare extends to TENS, coverage is only offered by professional treatments as part of a physician’s service or in conjunction with inpatient care.

 

 

A Better Treatment Alternative For Knee Pain

A review published in 2019 estimates that patients live an average of 30 years with knee disorders such as osteoarthritis. This makes it imperative to find a treatment option that isn’t just effective, but also non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical. 

Luckily, thanks to the advances in regenerative medicine, you no longer need to choose between depending on medications for the next three decades or getting surgery.

At Neuragenex, we provide holistic neurofunctional pain management therapies for knee pain that are designed around your needs and lifestyle goals. So, you can do much more than simply ease your pain. You can restore your knee health, return to saying “yes” to your favorite activities and social events, and go back to enjoying your daily life.

Here are the methods and approaches we use to help you magnify your life:

Professionally-Administered Electroanalgesia

As we have seen above, electrical stimulation can be an excellent addition to your pain management strategy. But at-home TENS units might not deliver the results you’ve been expecting. 

That’s because although based on the same principle, commercially-available TENS units are unable to deliver the benefits of professionally-administered electroanalgesia. 

At Neuragenex, we use medical-grade FDA-approved devices to administer electroanalgesic treatments, offering long-lasting results and supporting the regeneration of damaged tissue in the knee joint.

Viscosupplementation Therapy

If your knee condition has not been responding to other treatments, viscosupplementation therapy might be an option to explore. 

Through injections of hyaluronic acid, we can help you restore the functionalities of the synovial fluid – the knee joint fluid in charge of maintaining all movements fluid, lubricated, and free of friction.

Lifestyle Counseling

Lifestyle counseling is an important component of a comprehensive, ad hoc treatment journey. That’s because a lot of your knee pain might derive from lifestyle factors, such as being overweight, performing improper movements, overusing your knees, or leading a sedentary life.

Know Your Options. Treat Your Knee Pain

At Neuragenex, we strive to provide personalized pain management strategies that are safe, non-invasive, and effective. But our overarching goal is to help you restore your body’s capabilities, improve your life and health, and support long-lasting well-being – all without medications, surgery, or chiropractic care!

Alternative Treatments To Knee Arthroplasty – Know Your Options Here

Posted on by Will Bozeman

If you are considering knee surgery for the discomfort and disability caused by your knee pain, you are certainly not alone. 

Since the first knee replacement was performed in the late 1960s, knee arthroplasty has become a popular and accessible solution for conditions that cause debilitating joint pain and reduced range of motion. 

According to the 2021 American Joint Replacement Registry Annual Report, the number of joint replacement surgeries has increased by 18.3% since 2020. And, between 2012 and 2020, the number of primary knee surgeries performed in the U.S. surged to 1.2 million. 

But despite how popular these surgeries are, they are not always the best option for knee pain – nor the only one. By learning more about alternative treatment options, patients can prevent or delay knee arthroplasty and avoid the cascade of consequences, complications, and side effects of invasive surgical procedures. 

In this guide, you’ll learn more about the implications of arthroplasty and how non-surgical treatments – such as viscosupplementation and neurofunctional therapies – can help protect your knee health. Let’s get started. 

What Is Knee Arthroplasty?

Arthroplasty is a term derived from the Greek words for joint (“arthro”) and molding or grafting (“plastos”). It describes the surgical process that involves reshaping, reconstructing, or replacing one or more components of a joint. Knee arthroplasty is also commonly referred to as “knee replacement surgery”. 

Although orthopedic surgical techniques and tools have been developing significantly since the first arthroplasty was performed in 1968, knee replacement surgery is a complex and often invasive procedure that comes with significant side effects. 

Today, knee arthroplasty is mostly recommended for end-stage symptomatic conditions that have not responded well to pharmaceutical or physical therapies, such as advanced osteoarthritis that has caused structural damages to bones and soft tissues.

If you are in the process of considering knee replacement surgery to treat your knee pain, you are probably wondering what to expect from this procedure. Learn more about it below. 

What To Expect Before A Knee Arthroplasty

Before a knee arthroplasty, your surgeon will take you through the necessary steps to prepare you for the procedure, reduce the risk of complications such as periprosthetic joint infections, and ensure that you are fit for knee surgery. These include:

  • Blood and urine tests
  • Electrocardiograms and X-rays
  • Pre-surgical physical examinations and physical therapy
  • Medication adjustments, such as painkillers
  • Lifestyle changes, such as ceasing smoking 
  • Dental exams to rule out infections and abscesses that could enter the bloodstream, settle onto the surgical areas, and increase the risk of post-surgery infections. 
  • Review of your medical history and other conditions

How A Knee Arthroplasty Is Performed

The way knee replacement surgeries are performed may vary depending on what area of the knee is affected. However, in general, your surgeon will start by administering a general or regional anesthetic. 

The surgeon will then make an incision in the knee area. The surgeon will insert specialized tools to remove any affected portion of soft and hard tissue (i.e. the cartilage and bones). Then, a metal or plastic implant (prosthesis) will be inserted into position and secured, often using medical cement. Lastly, the surgeon will close the incision and ensure the different parts of the implant can move properly. 

Aftercare And Results

Knee replacement surgery can last anywhere between 1 and 3 hours. The type of care and treatment you’ll need after the intervention largely depends on the extent of the surgery. 

Generally, you will be moved into the recovery room straight after the procedure, and a team of healthcare professionals will monitor for signs of complications. In some cases, you might be able to go home the same day (outpatient procedures), but some patients spend one night or more in the hospital after their surgery. 

Physical therapy usually begins around 48 hours after surgery, and full recovery is usually achieved within 6-12 weeks. In terms of results, knee replacement surgeries can lead to a decrease in knee pain, improved range of motion, and reduced need for pain medications. According to a 2019 study published by the Lancet, 82% of knee surgeries last for up to 25 years. 

There are two main types of knee replacement surgeries: total knee arthroplasty and partial knee arthroplasty. Let’s look at these surgeries in more detail below. 

Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery is necessary when the entire knee joint needs to be replaced. This happens if all three components of the knee are affected by osteoarthritis or injury and require surgical intervention.

These are:

  • The medial compartment (the inner side of the knee)
  • The lateral compartment (the outer side of the knee)
  • The patellofemoral or anterior compartment (the front of the knee (under the kneecap))

Total knee surgery usually resurfaces all three components of the knee. The surgery may also involve replacing or removing the ligaments between the bones (such as the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments).

Partial Knee Arthroplasty

A partial knee arthroplasty – also called a unicompartmental knee replacement – is less invasive than a total knee replacement. The aim is to maintain most of the original structure of the knee, and only replace the affected compartment of the knee. This might be the case for patients with knee osteoarthritis, where the arthritis has only affected one compartment in the knee, such as the medial compartment. 

Knee Conditions That Might Require Knee Arthroplasty 

Given the impact that a knee replacement can have on a patient’s health and body mechanics, surgery is usually only a last resort after other conservative treatments have been unsuccessful. Surgery is usually only recommended in the case of traumatic injuries and end-stage degenerative diseases, often after other treatment options such as physical therapy and medications have failed. 

In particular, knee arthroplasty might be suggested by a healthcare provider to treat the following conditions of the knee:

  • Debilitating Osteoarthritis (OA): OA is an inflammatory, degenerative joint disease that leads to the breakdown of the soft tissue (cartilage) in the knee joint. Mostly caused by excessive or repetitive stress on the joint, aging, genetics, bone deformities, and joint injuries, OA can end up degrading the soft cushion that keeps the joint movements lubricated. In turn, this can lead to pain, bone damage, improper knee mechanics, and disability. Currently, nearly 14% of knee replacements are administered to treat OA. 
  • Inflammatory Arthritis: Arthritis is the overarching term for several inflammatory conditions that affect the joints. The excessive inflammation caused by the high levels of uric acid in the body (in the case of gout) or by the improper response of the immune system (in the case of rheumatoid arthritis) can irritate, inflame, and degrade the cartilage, thus leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. 
  • Arthritis Due To Trauma: Traumatic injuries to the knee can damage the bones and other structures in the knee joint (such as the ligaments and tendons). When this happens, areas of the knee that are normally unaffected by movement become damaged by friction or excessive loading. 

In most cases, knee replacement surgeries are recommended to ease debilitating or disabling pain, swelling, and stiffness deriving from the conditions above. 

Risk And Complications Of Arthroplasty

Although knee replacement surgeries are generally considered to be highly successful procedures, it is important for patients not to take the decision of undergoing surgery lightly. Even in the best-case scenario, these surgical procedures involve months of rehabilitation and physical therapy before a patient can return to normal activities. 

Additionally, healthcare professionals need to inform their patients regarding the risks and complications of knee replacement surgeries, which can also lead to an increased need for revision surgeries. Let’s look at the most common risks of knee arthroplasty below:

Periprosthetic Joint Infection

Although only around 1% of patients undergoing arthroplasty will develop an infection, this is one of the most common complications of such surgical procedures. Generally, infections are caused by bacteria and affect the wound caused by the surgical incision. 

However, in some cases, bacterial infection can affect the periprosthetic joint itself (the area of the joint that has been replaced with plastic and metal parts). Although this can happen at any time after the surgery, it is more likely in the first two years after surgery, which is when up to 70% of infections occur.

You might be at greater risk of developing an infection after surgery if you have immune deficiencies, diabetes, circulatory problems, or if you are obese. 

Aseptic Loosening

Aseptic loosening is another common surgical complication of knee replacement surgery. This occurs when the prosthesis begins to loosen and fails. This is often caused by improper initial implantation of the periprosthetic joint components, inflammation, or osteolysis (degeneration of the bone tissue attached to the prosthesis).

Aseptic loosening is more likely in patients who had to undergo a revision surgery because they experienced periprosthetic infection after their primary knee arthroplasty. In particular, among these patients, the prevalence of prosthetic loosening is as high as 22% after 7 years of the surgery. 

Metallosis

Metallosis is an uncommon complication of joint replacement surgery, but it is more likely to happen in arthroplasties of the knee, hip, or other high-wear joints. This condition causes an abnormal buildup of metallic particles and debris around the periprosthetic implant and surrounding joints. 

A BMJ case study reported that around 7 out of 30 patients who underwent a TKA involving metal-backed patellar components developed metallosis.

Instability And Dislocation

Dislocation of the periprosthetic knee can happen in a similar way to natural knee dislocations, including trauma and overextension. However, there are additional factors that increase the risk of dislocation. 

These factors include implant malpositioning, inappropriate selection of the implant, deformity, and hardware malfunction, such as the breakdown of the polyethylene (plastic) lining between the prosthetic parts. 

TKA dislocations account for 0.02-0.2% of orthopedic injuries among all patients, and 0.15-0.5% of injuries in people with arthroplasty. 

Beyond dislocation, less severe instability issues in TKA patients can happen due to mechanical malfunction affecting the periprosthetic knee.

Periprosthetic Fracture

As the population continues to age and the number of knee replacement surgeries performed each year increases, the prevalence of periprosthetic fractures is also rising. This complication can happen any time after the surgery and involves a fracture in one or more bones around the area where the prosthesis was implanted. 

Periprosthetic fractures almost always require surgery. Currently, this condition is estimated to affect between 0.3% and 5.5% of TKA patients. 

Patellofemoral Complications

The patellofemoral joint is located in front of the knee. Because of this joint’s location, it is connected to some of the components of the knee joint including the patella (kneecap). After a total knee arthroplasty, it is not uncommon for patients to experience complications such as patellofemoral pain. 

A 1995 study shows that, at the time, patellofemoral complications were present in 12.8% of patients who had undergone TKA. Additionally, the same study mentions that the prevalence of this complication is higher among older and overweight patients. 

Alternative Treatments Offered By Neuragenex

For those battling end-stage symptomatic conditions of the knee – including osteoarthritis – surgery might seem like the only and inevitable option. And, for some individuals, it is. 

However, for those patients looking to prevent or delay knee replacement surgeries, it is important to learn about the alternative treatment options that can help, such as the ones offered by Neuragenex. 

At Neuragenex, our team of healthcare professionals and researchers have developed a customized treatment protocol that can help ease knee pain, support tissue regeneration, and lower the risk of surgery. These treatments are non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical, and are backed by science. 

Below are the three pillars of the treatment protocol for knee pain offered at Neuragenex:

TriVisc

For patients with knee pain that has not responded to exercise and physical therapy, it is important to look for non-opioid, long-term solutions such as TriVisc. 

TriVisc injections work by delivering hyaluronic acid (HA) into the joint area. Here, the HA will form a gel-like substance called hyaluronate. This substance is naturally produced by the body and helps regulate how the joint tissue responds to injury. It also plays a vital role in keeping the joints healthy, lubricated, and safe from shock and friction.

Over time, the supply of HA in the body declines, often due to age and factors like smoking. Thanks to TriVisc injections, Neuragenex can help replenish the supply of HA in the joint, thus easing discomfort, decreasing inflammation (such as in the case of arthritis and osteoarthritis), keeping the joint lubricated, and providing long-lasting comfort. 

Visco

Visco, short for viscosupplementation, is a treatment that involves injecting hyaluronic acid into diarthrodial joints. Diarthrodial joints – which are freely movable joints such as the knee – are joints that rely on two components to keep motions smooth and lubricated. These two components are:

  • A thin layer of cartilage around the connected bones
  • A synovial membrane that encapsulates the joint and is filled with synovial fluid (a thick fluid that reduces friction between the joint’s components during movement).

When this system wears down over time, the joint’s components and the surrounding bones might be exposed to damage caused by shock and friction. Viscosupplementation therapies aim to restore the synovial fluid with hyaluronic acid. 

This can have a powerful lubricative and analgesic effect, reducing inflammation, easing swelling, and relieving joint pain. According to 2015 studies, viscosupplementation can delay the need for total replacement surgery by 3 years or more. 

Neurofunctional Pain Management

The proprietary Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol designed by Neuragenex helps ease pain naturally and support the regeneration of damaged tissue when combined with the therapies above. 

At Neuragenex, we use hydration therapies and high-pulse electrical stimulation (electroanalgesia) to stimulate the production of endorphins, depolarize pain neurons, and deliver long-lasting pain relief. What’s more, thanks to Neurassage – our patented massage therapy – and lifestyle counseling, we are able to help patients regain control of their lives and ease pain without opioids or surgery. 

Start Living A Pain-Free Life. Consult With Us Today.

At Neuragenex, our goal is to help patients do much more than simply reduce their knee pain. We aim to help individuals magnify their lives, enjoy a lifestyle free of medications, and delay or prevent the need for surgery. 

High Dose PRP for Knee Pain

Posted on by Will Bozeman

At times, when patients with knee pain are at their most vulnerable, it can seem next-to-impossible to believe in a treatment that can help. What’s worse, when patients experience knee pain on a daily basis, hope in alleviating the pain seems to disappear rapidly. As patients live with the effect of knee pain, accomplishing most physical tasks might seem insurmountable. However, knee pain is treatable and depending on the patient’s level of comfort with the treatment options, the treatment can be effective. Patients who do not wish to undergo invasive surgeries or potentially harmful side-effects from various prescriptions might become apprehensive when learning that most treatments for knee pain are not without side-effects. However, there is at least one treatment that is both effective and safe– platelet rich plasma (PRP).

Along with concerns over the side-effects and efficacy of treatments, when patients are exploring these treatment options with their doctors, they should also recognize the level of pain is likely based on their history of knee pain– or pathogenesis. While maintaining the objective of seeking effective treatment, it is likely that many will not consider the development of their knee pain, contributing risk factors, or what they can do on their own to treat the pain. When a patient does not do the research into their knee pain or understand the conditions that caused their pain, they are less likely to give their doctors a clear picture of their day-to-day conditions. The more accurate a patient understands and can describe their condition, the more likely they are to be given proper treatment.

While patients and their doctors determine the most suitable treatment for their condition, there are many factors that patients should consider– considerations we wish to engender into the minds of patients so that they can choose a treatment and an associated plan that is best for them. With an aim to educate and inform the increasing populace who suffers from chronic knee pain, it is only appropriate that patients be informed on the developments, successes, and failures associated with chronic knee pain treatment. In the end, while it is likely patients will experience frustration in their quest for treatment, treatment for knee pain does exist and it exists with Orthagenex High Dose PRP treatment.

To begin, let us differentiate and categorize the two most common types of knee pain. When it comes to knee pain, there must be a clear distinction of which patients are made aware. When a patient knows the origin and conditions associated with their knee pain, they will be more able to effectively find a treatment for themselves. Knee pain can either derive from chronic or acute conditions. Acute knee pain heals relatively quickly and refers specifically to pain that has lasted less than six months and is usually the result of an injury. The most common cause of chronic knee pain is osteoarthritis. Once patients understand osteoarthritis as a contributing factor to knee pain, they can begin to understand how other risk factors can contribute and combine to aggravate knee pain. But first, what is osteoarthritis?

Dr. Dragan Primorac highlights the importance of paying attention to osteoarthritis (OA) by stating that, “[i]t is estimated that the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) among adults 60 years of age or older is approximately 10% in men and 13% in women, making knee OA one of the leading causes of disability in elderly population. Today, we know that osteoarthritis is not a disease characterized by loss of cartilage due to mechanical loading only, but a condition that affects all of the tissues in the joint, causing detectable changes in tissue architecture, its metabolism and function” (2020). With such a high populace suffering from knee osteoarthritis, its related pain, and deformations, physicians like Dr. Primorac are scrambling daily for a solution and effective treatment upon which their patients can rely.

Osteoarthritis, a condition that affects nearly 40 million in the United States, is a condition that often manifests in the fingers and toes of patients who have been diagnosed with it, but patients who suffer from OA can expect to experience its symptoms in most joints throughout the body and this is especially true for the joints in the knee. OA manifests itself with symptoms of bone spurs, stiffness, and pain specifically targeting the joints. OA, is the most common form of arthritis because it affects most people.

One may question how that is possible and how so many people can experience arthritis, the answer is simple; everyone ages. Over time the internal and external anatomical structure of our body’s breakdown and the risk for osteoarthritis increases as the body ages. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective pads of cartilage are worn down and the bones grind against each other and cause this pain. Unfortunately, everyone is at risk for osteoarthritis. However, patients who have experienced injuries to their knees or other joints are more likely to experience arthritis at an older age and OA is further exacerbated by other risk factors– such as obesity.

Dr. Lianzhi Chen and her associates summarize the experience of patients and their pathogenesis of knee pain by claiming that, “[o]besity-related osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex, multifactorial condition that can cause significant impact on patients’ quality of life” (2020). Dr. Chen recognizes, along with most physicians working to mitigate knee pain with their patients, that obesity is an intrinsic contribution to osteoarthritic knee pain.

In a further summary on the impact of a heavy load and OA on knee pain, Dr. Chen states that, “[m]oderate dynamic mechanical loading is one of the most important mechanical factors for maintaining joint homeostasis. The integrity of articular cartilage is maintained under moderate loading conditions during routine daily activities. However, when receiving abnormal excessive mechanical loading, disruption of cartilage homeostasis and deformation of normal joint morphology occurs, further inducing and accelerating the progression of OA”. While it may seem to be common sense to many that knee pain would increase with the increase of a patient’s weight, many do not consider– as Dr. Chen states– that obesity can accelerate the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

Not only does excess weight increase knee pain but it can literally deform the knee joint itself, further complicating the pain and necessitating more drastic treatment intervention. When patients are seeking treatment that is both effective and lasting, they are often met with disappointment and frustration. For doctors presented with these emotions from their patients, the former is frustrating and the latter is understandable. For too long, patients and doctors have looked for a treatment that assuages the pain while being safe and without side-effects. For many, a treatment of this nature might seem impossible or at least out of reach. With Orthagenex, treatment exists for knee pain– a treatment that promises efficacy, safety, and results.

In a study evaluating the efficacy of platelet rich plasma asa treatment for knee pain, Dr. Araya and her associates found that, “[i]n all groups, PRP increased the load-sharing ratio on PRP-injected knees, with pure PRP eliciting the largest effect among the 3 kinds of PRP (P < .05). Structural changes in the synovial tissue were significantly inhibited in the pure-PRP group compared with the control group after both 5 and 14 days (P < .001 and P = .025, respectively), whereas no significant difference was found between the control, LP-PRP, and LR-PRP groups. An inhibitory effect on cartilage degeneration was observed only in the pure-PRP group on day 14. Pure PRP also significantly inhibited expression of CGRP-positive nerve fibers in the infrapatellar fat pad compared with the other groups (P < .05)” (2020). In short, the research suggests that, “[i]n an MIA-induced arthritis model, pure PRP injection was the most effective treatment for reduction of pain-related behavior and inhibition of synovial inflammation and pain sensitization . . . PRP formulations should be optimized for each specific disease. This study shows the superiority of pure PRP for treatment of arthritis and joint pain”. In light of this positive news, patients might still be skeptical and wonder how this form of treatment stacks up against other non-invasive forms of treatment for knee pain.

In a more specific study analyzing the difference between PRP and hyaluronic acid injections to treat knee pain, Dr. Chen and his associates explain that, “a common conservative treatment, intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) can regulate vascular permeability, lubricate the joints, reduce joint loading, and promote wound healing” (2020). In contrast, these medical professionals also found that, “[i]n recent years, there has been increasing attention focused on the intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is a concentrate of platelets derived from whole blood by centrifugation that contains a large quantity of proteins and growth factors, including platelet-derived factors and transforming growth factor β. It is believed to support various important physiological functions such as anti-inflammation, analgesia, pro-proliferation of chondrocytes, and cartilage repair”. With this description in mind, patients can begin to see why and how PRP injections could very easily facilitate the regrowth and repair of cartilage damaged through years of osteoarthritis and/or acute injury.

In the end, Dr. Chaen and his associates concluded that, “[c]ompared with HA, PRP offers more advantages in the conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis, including reduced long-term pain and improved knee joint function. PRP has no evident additional risk and can be widely used as a conservative treatment for knee osteoarthritis”. Orthagenex High Dose PRP treatment guarantees that patients are not forever locked to knee pain, even if that knee pain has been exacerbated with osteoarthritis or obesity. When patients experience high dose PRP injections, they will also be given a full nutrient deficiency rejuvenation to guarantee that a patient’s immune system is working for them to treat the chronic knee pain.

With Orthagenex, patients can be sure that they will have an experience that relieves pain, restores health, and magnifies quality of life without medications, surgeries, or invasive procedures. Orthagenex High Dose PRP, platelet rich plasma, facilitates the body’s natural ability to heal itself and repair damaged joints in the knee. For platelet rich plasma, the research is clear, and patients no longer need to worry about whether or not they need to go another day experiencing knee pain.

Knee Joint Pain Explained: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options

Posted on by Will Bozeman

We can all attest to the vital importance of joint movement and flexibility, especially in the lower extremities, and there is no denying we all heavily rely on our larger joints like the knee, hip, and ankle joints to accomplish regular activities that matter to us. 

The knee joint is one of the most – if not the most – crucial joints that we use every day as we rely on our legs to accomplish even the most basic daily tasks. A healthy knee is highly flexible, permitting full range of movement in the legs. The movement is supported by the group of muscles and tendons that surround the knee, maintaining normal joint alignment.

As we age, the risk factors for knee pain increase. Flexibility may gradually decrease, reducing range of motion in the knee and making movement more rigid. If the knee joint becomes painful, the consequences of this pain can extend to the rest of our body as we accommodate the pain by walking differently or adjusting our posture and balance. Or worse, we just stop moving around altogether. Ultimately, quality of life is greatly affected by knee pain and our health continues to go downhill because of chronic knee pain.

Symptoms

With over 100 million Americans struggling with acute or chronic knee pain, there is little doubt that this condition is among the most widespread musculoskeletal issues in the U.S. It is important to understand “knee pain” and to understand the cascade of symptoms related to pain in the knee area. 

A lot of the complications of knee pain are directly linked to what part of the knee is injured or damaged. For example, a locking, popping, and catching sensation is common for torn ligaments, while stiffness and grinding noises are telltale signs of arthritis. 

Some of the symptoms most commonly associated with knee pain include:

  • Swelling: Swelling is a common symptom associated with knee pain and inflammation, caused by increased blood flow, fluids, and white cells that accumulate around the injured area. 
  • Stiffness: Stiffness is often a consequence of torn and overstretched ligaments, but it can also be a complication of swelling or indicate mechanical problems in the knee. 
  • Tenderness: Inflammation or tissue damage can be caused by a buildup of fluids that may extend to other parts of the knee and can press on surrounding nerves. This interferes with the ability of nerves to carry motor or sensory signals to and from the brain, thus leading to sensations of numbness, tingling, or pain. 
  • Reduced range of motion: Commonly associated with torn ligaments and tendons, degenerative joint diseases (i.e.: arthritis), and bone fractures, reduced range of motion happens when one or more components in the knee area are injured and unable to support the motion of connected muscles or bones. 
  • Instability: Instability and impaired balance are often caused by diseases and injuries that wear down ligaments and tendons. However, this can also be caused by mechanical issues and deformities. 
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds: Torn knee cartilage or damaged ligaments (i.e., the anterior cruciate ligament) can cause a popping or clicking sound at the time of injury or during certain knee movements. Grinding noises are more often associated with arthritis, which wears down the “cushioning” in the joint that keeps movement lubricated. 

Visible deformities: Although rare, knee pain and injuries can cause visible deformities and bulges, such as in the case of kneecap fractures or Baker’s cysts.

Common Causes Of Knee Joint Pain

There are several other conditions that can affect knee joint health, including overuse and dislocation. The severity and location of the pain largely depends on the knee structure that is affected. The following are some of the common causes of knee joint pain:

Arthritis

Knee arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that affects over 14 million people in the U.S., making it one of the leading causes of knee pain. Arthritis is currently one of the major causes of disability in the elderly in the U.S. There are several different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis can be caused by several factors, including overuse, degenerative diseases, excessive quantities of uric acid in the body, or autoimmune conditions. 

Over time, arthritis causes breakdown of the cartilage in the knee joint – the soft tissue in the joint that “cushions” movement and protects against friction and stress. As a result, arthritis can lead to pain, grinding sounds when moving, reduced range of motion, and, if left untreated, soft and hard tissue damage.

Dislocation

A dislocation occurs when the bones in the knee joint – the thigh bone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia) – shift out of place and become misaligned. The dislocation might also affect the kneecap (patella) if it gets knocked out of place. 

Knee dislocations are often a consequence of direct trauma, injury, or collisions that involve the knee. They can be extremely painful and can affect the surrounding structures (i.e., ligaments and tendons).

Overuse

Repeated stress to the knee joint can lead to painful overuse injuries, such as tendinopathy or strains. For example, overuse injuries can affect the tendons and ligaments in the knee. 

You might be at greater risk of overuse knee injuries if you perform repeated movements or activities such as jumping, skiing, or cycling. Being obese or overweight might also put excessive stress on the knee when walking, standing, or jogging, thus leading to the wear and tear of soft tissue.

Bad Posture

Posture impacts how external forces such as stress and gravity affect the knee joint. Bad posture can affect how your body bears its weight, thus affecting the neck and hips, which adds unnecessary strain to certain areas of the knee. This can lead to mechanical issues, such as knee valgus (knock-knees) and knee varus (bowed legs). 

These difficulties cause stress and friction to the knee joint during certain movements, thus affecting the cartilage and bones over time. If left untreated, bad posture, misalignment, and mechanical issues can make knee movements painful and restrict the range of motion.

Diagnosing Knee Joint Pain

There are many different causes of knee pain, from overuse to dislocation. As a result, an accurate diagnosis is critical before starting any treatment to ensure the underlying cause of the pain is addressed. Healthcare providers will often complete a multitude of tests to thoroughly assess the knee before making a diagnosis. 

These include:

  • Reviewing the patient’s medical history: A patient’s medical history can offer valuable insights into the potential cause of the knee pain. Doctors often begin an examination by assessing the patient’s reported symptoms, family and medical history, and mechanism of injury. Patients might also need to provide information about symptoms other than pain, such as fever, swelling, fatigue, or unexpected weight loss. 
  • Carrying out physical examinations: Physical examinations aim to assess whether the patient has swelling, sounds or noises when moving, and stability issues. Doctors also use specific tests to determine how the pain is affecting the range of motion, strength, and whether it is causing knee locking (the inability to extend or bend the knee properly).
  • Imaging tests: To assess the accuracy of their diagnosis, healthcare providers might carry out imaging tests such as X-rays. These tests offer a clear picture of the health of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons in the knee area. 

Blood tests: Blood tests might also be required to exclude causes such as autoimmune diseases.

Common Treatment Options For Knee Joint Pain

The best treatment for knee pain is often determined by a thorough assessment. However, in most cases, patients are recommended one of the treatment options below (or a combination of them):

  • At-home self-care treatments: For conditions such as a mildly sprained ligament, doctors tend to recommend conservative treatment strategies such as R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). These therapies work by reducing the blood flow to the injured area (which limits swelling) and preventing further injury. 
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy helps those with knee pain caused by mechanical issues, trauma, or degenerative diseases. A physical therapist will strive to improve the range of motion and muscle strength in the knee with exercises, passive modalities, or manual therapy techniques such as massage. 
  • Over-the-counter medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can be used to alleviate pain caused by inflammation, such as arthritis or tendonitis. 
  • Surgery: Knee replacement surgeries might be required in the case of a ruptured tendon or ligament, knee fractures, infected joints, or degenerative diseases. 

Some common knee conditions, such as osteoarthritis, can affect the daily life of a patient for 30 years or more, making it of paramount importance to look beyond NSAIDs as a long-term treatment solution for knee pain. 

Regardless of the cause of the knee pain, patients can be assured that there are a range of treatment options that can help mitigate the pain, increase flexibility, and restore function in the knee.

The Drawbacks Of Common Pain Treatments

Because one of the most common reasons for knee pain is the inflammation of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, the most apparent solution is to reduce the inflammation. 

Any patient familiar with muscle soreness will know that icing the affected area can result in a temporary decrease in inflammation and pain. 

However, the natural next step for managing inflammation is NSAIDs. When these two treatment options are used in tandem, they can provide a welcome relief for patients suffering from knee pain. However, these two treatments are not without drawbacks and limitations.

The Risks Of Using NSAIDs

When it comes to the use of NSAIDs as a supplement to other forms of treatment, there are several side effects that should be considered and understood by patients. 

NSAIDs are predominantly recognized as a safe treatment option in the short term, and are therefore readily available to most of the population. In fact, NSAIDs can be helpful for a short period of time whilst undergoing other treatments, such as Neurofunctional Pain Management.

However, while these drugs can provide temporary relief, NSAIDs should not be used as a long-term treatment for pain, as the risk of developing a dependency on these drugs should not be dismissed.

Dependency

The term ‘dependency’ is often associated with illicit drug use and fatal outcomes. However, dependency is also used to describe overuse of medication leading to other forms of medical distress. In fact, a dependency may not always be life-threatening, although the adverse effects can be serious enough that hospitalization is necessary. Understanding this definition can help patients mitigate their risk and identify warning signs before care becomes critical.

The mild nature of NSAIDs can lead to a stronger desire for increased quantities of drugs. In a 2020 study, Dr Sharma and associates concluded that “although NSAIDs are among the most commonly used drugs, their use is associated with a broad spectrum of side effects, which may include gastrointestinal and cardiovascular toxicity” (2020). 

There are several pros and cons of NSAIDs treatment. As we move on and explore additional treatment options for knee pain, patients should consider them objectively, recognizing both the pros and cons of each treatment. While patients may experience the positive effects of NSAIDs, they should also consider the potential side effects.

How Neuragenex Approaches Knee Joint Pain: Neurofunctional Pain Management

Neuragenex offers the best treatment for knee pain with its Neuralgesia treatment program.  Neuralgesia is the unique protocol used by Neuragenex to treat a wide range of chronic pain conditions. Neuragenex is the founding medical group that is pioneering the field of Neurofunctional Pain Management. 

Neurofunctional Pain Management is a specialized treatment program that uses high-pulse electrical stimulation in combination with specialized hydration therapy to relieve pain through multiple combined physiologic effects. Pain neuron sustained depolarization and reduced chronic systemic inflammation are two of the core components of chronic pain relief under the Neurofunctional Pain Management treatment model.

Many patients experience symptom relief after only one treatment session and report that life is markedly better after only a few weeks of the Neuralgesia treatment protocol. Neuragenex is pioneering the field of Neurofunctional Pain Management with the mission to relieve pain, restore health, and magnify the quality of life without drugs, surgery, or invasive procedures.

Get The Best Treatment For Your Knee Pain

When it comes to knee pain, treatment options with Neuragenex should be your first consideration. Understanding that you have non-surgical, non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, and non-chiropractic treatment options will be the greatest ally in your journey of pain relief. Our vision is to be the first thought, first choice, and first step in the journey of chronic pain relief.

 

Is Knee Joint Pain Treatable with Neurofunctional Pain Management?

Posted on by Will Bozeman

Many who experience knee joint pain will attest to the frustration that accompanies the lack of effective treatments. After the application of treatment and ingestion of drugs, patients are left with short-term relief from pain and wait for the pain to resume while the condition causing it gets worse. Many patients simply want a solution to the pain—or, to put it more simply, they want to know that knee joint pain is treatable without invasive procedures and surgeries. The short answer is that there are options to treat knee pain of various causes, but the root cause of the problem is likely to continue, and the overall condition of the knee will likely get worse while temporary relief efforts get shorter and shorter.

That is why it is critical for both patients and doctors to look beyond short-term solutions and provide sustainable therapies that directly address the source or sources of knee pain. 

Below, we will explore the common treatments prescribed for knee pain and their side effects – and we’ll look at the more valid alternatives provided by a comprehensive Neurofunctional Pain Management approach. Let’s get started.

The Importance Of Targeting The Cause Of Knee Joint Pain

Today, an estimated 25% of the US adult population suffers the consequences of chronic and acute knee pain – a percentage that accounts for nearly 6.5 million people. But despite how widespread this condition is, no two individuals will have the same experience with knee pain. 

For some, mild discomfort deriving from a minor ligament strain in the knee joint is nothing more than a temporary inconvenience that can be addressed with at-home therapies such as R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). 

However, for those affected by chronic conditions such as severe trauma or degenerative joint diseases, knee pain can cause a cascade of debilitating consequences. From mobility issues and increased risk of injuries to constant pain and productivity loss, knee pain can certainly have an impact on all aspects of a person’s life. 

But when it comes down to treating long-term pain, patients often find themselves at a loss. Without having a thorough understanding of what’s causing their condition, it is often too tempting to simply rely on short-term treatments, home remedies, and over-the-counter painkillers or steroids. 

At best, these treatment options will provide short-term relief without solving the underlying cause of pain. At worst, therapies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids can lead to dependency and complications such as stroke and nerve damage. 

The sections below offer a greater understanding of why choosing short-term treatments and OTC medications to treat knee pain isn’t just inefficient – but can also be dangerous. Let’s get started.

Why NSAIDs And Home Remedies Are Not Proper Treatments

Most patients are familiar with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, and other over-the-counter medications that give a short window of pain relief, dull the pain and cause the patient to rely on heavier and unhealthier doses. But what else can patients with knee joint pain do to effectively treat the pain? In addition to the use of NSAIDs, other home remedy efforts include regular kneading and massaging of the knee, and regular application of ice to diminish swelling in the muscles. A patient who simply deals with the pain on their own is less likely to experience any long-term or moderate-term pain relief because all their efforts and home-use medications will get less and less effective as the knee gets worse and worse over time.

The Side Effects Of NSAID Dependency

Out of around 50 million Americans who suffer from chronic pain, 29 million use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) chronically to manage their knee and joint pain. 

But while medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and Celebrex are widely available (often over the counter) and affordable, it is important to not underestimate the risks they pose to a patient’s health – starting with dependency. 

Developing a dependency on drugs such as ibuprofen can cause patients with knee pain to crave their medications, take more than prescribed, and develop a high tolerance to the analgesic effects that NSAIDs produce. In turn, this can create a vicious circle and cause patients to become always more reliant on drugs in every aspect of their lives. 

Below are the complications of developing a dependency on NSAIDs to treat chronic knee pain.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding

Taking high doses of NSAIDs over long periods to treat knee pain may lead to several gastrointestinal adverse effects, including lesions and bleeding. This happens because these medications cause topical injury (on the surface) of the mucosa that lines the upper, mid, and lower digestive tract. 

Additionally, according to 2005 studies, some NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can temporarily inhibit the healing function of platelets (the blood cells in charge of regenerating damaged tissue). This makes it difficult for ulcers and lesions in the GI tract to stop bleeding and begin healing. 

Among the most severe complications of GI bleeding are anemia (lack of hemoglobin and red blood cells), shock, and insufficient blood circulation. It is estimated that around 1-2% of people who take NSAIDs over long periods will develop gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and lesions.

Myocardial Infarction

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs taken to ease knee pain can have a range of effects on the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of myocardial infarction (a heart attack). This is especially true in people who are already at risk of heart problems but can affect anyone. 

Some of the negative effects of NSAIDs on the cardiovascular system that might lead to a heart attack include:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can inhibit the chemicals in charge of reducing the likelihood of blood clots, thus making them more likely to manifest and block arteries in the heart. 
  • NSAIDs can reduce the blood flow to the kidneys, which causes the body to retain more water and salt. This, in turn, can increase blood pressure and make a myocardial infarction more likely. 

The risk of myocardial infarction increases significantly in as little as seven days of taking the drug.

Stroke

The majority of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase the risk of stroke ( a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain) and other cerebrovascular events. This is because these medications inhibit the functioning of prostaglandins, or the compounds responsible for widening and relaxing the blood vessels. 

In turn, this can cause vasoconstriction (the narrowing of blood vessels) which can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain. NSAIDs also promote the retention of sodium and increase blood pressure, which is an additional risk factor for strokes.

Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcers are lesions that occur in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or in the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). NSAIDs can lead to ulcers by causing a reduction in the levels of prostaglandin, a chemical that is essential to protect the gastric mucosa. 

In severe cases, peptic ulcers can cause gastrointestinal obstruction, stomach cancer, internal bleeding, and holes in the stomach wall. According to a study conducted in 1999, NSAID-induced peptic ulcers account for 10% to 30% of all peptic ulcers.

Acute Renal Failure

As seen above, NSAIDs reduce the blood flow to the kidneys by reducing the amount of prostaglandins secretion in the body. In turn, this can lead to a reduced ability of the kidneys to filter blood, thus causing a range of consequences, including:

  • Accumulation of waste product
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Difficulty processing salt and water in the body
  • Deterioration of the renal function

Over time, an excessive accumulation of waste in the kidneys can lead to what’s called “Acute Renal Failure”. Acute kidney injury or failure might be reversible, but it is a serious condition that requires immediate medical care. Using high doses of NSAIDs for a month or longer can increase the risk of acute kidney failure fourfold.

The Downside Of Corticosteroid Injection For Knee Joint Pain Treatment

Some doctors may rely on the use of a treatment called corticosteroid injection. The primary purpose of corticosteroid injections, much like the use of NSAIDs and ice, is to reduce inflammation. However, unlike NSAIDs and the application of ice, corticosteroids intend to provide lasting anti-inflammatory effects, which can last for several months. However, the growing consensus in conventional care is leaning in the direction of less and less corticosteroid use overall. Many reports and publications are coming out with evidence that long-term use of steroids to reduce inflammation and pain is facilitating the continued destruction of the damaged tissue causing the pain, essentially making the condition worse at the expense of short-term relief. However, one could easily see the benefits of corticosteroid injections especially due to their lasting efficacy, typically several weeks to several months of pain relief. One other benefit of corticosteroids is that they closely resemble a natural hormone produced in our bodies called cortisol, which is the source of health deterioration associated with stress. However, we must not view the injections of corticosteroids as perfectly safe and effective, even if they do resemble something that is naturally produced in our bodies. It is widely known that steroids have a litany of side effects and are often viewed as having a short-term effective use range, meaning a doctor would see steroids as a solution for a few years but not for decades.

The Side Effects Of Corticosteroid Injection

Steroids are the artificial version of hormones that are naturally produced in the human body by the adrenal glands. This family of drugs is efficient in temporarily reducing excessive inflammation, which is caused by the body as a response to injury, infection, or bacteria. In turn, steroids can reduce swelling and pain, but they won’t cure the underlying reason for knee pain.

Although today they have a wide range of uses, steroids are commonly prescribed to ease the symptoms deriving from a range of inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Although they can be taken orally, corticosteroid treatments for knee pain are usually delivered in the form of intra-articular (inside the joint) injections.

According to a study conducted in 2004, steroids can successfully reduce the symptoms of arthritis for up to 2 weeks, but much higher doses are needed to ease pain in the long term. However, when taken over long periods of time, steroids can cause addiction and lead to physiological and psychological withdrawal symptoms.

Today, the rate at which steroids are prescribed for knee pain is ramping up, and around 8-14% of patients with knee osteoarthritis are likely to receive steroid injections as part of their treatment. Because of this, it is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to understand the risk of this therapy and opt for alternative treatments.

Many patients who have used steroids for treatment, including treatment for knee pain, will either experience the numerous side effects or appreciate how the treatment with corticosteroids makes them feel. Regardless of the opinion of patients and their experiences with steroid treatment, side effects are undeniable and sometimes deadly.

Some of the most common side effects include:

Cortisone Flare

Although temporary, a cortisone flare is a common side effect of steroid injections for knee pain and can be severely debilitating for around 48 hours. A cortisone “flare” – or a sensation of intense pain in the injection site – is caused by the slow-release crystals of corticosteroids contained in the injection.

These crystals work by releasing the drug into the system over time, which helps the analgesic effect last longer. However, when injected, they can trigger temporary irritation and inflammation of the injection area.

A cortisone flare is likely to appear within a day or two of the shot and can last 2-3 days. Although inflammatory flares happen in just 1-2% of people receiving a steroid shot, over 35% of patients tend to experience post-injection pain around the knee area.

Fat Atrophy

Fat atrophy refers to the loss of fatty tissue in a certain area of the body (i.e.: the knee). As the fat mass degrades, it might leave marks such as pitting, scarring, and a sunken appearance. In severe cases, when there is a major loss of fat tissue, nearby fat mass might redistribute, which can make underlying bones and other structures more visible.

Fat atrophy due to steroid injections affects around 1% of patients, appears 1-4 months after the injection, and resolves itself in 6-30 months.

Tendon Injury

One of the most severe complications of repeated corticosteroid injections is tendon damage and ruptures. Although the mechanisms of this side effect are not well-understood, a 2016 article hypothesizes that steroids can lead to soft tissue fragmentation and cause changes in the biomechanics of the knee, such as stopping the production of collagen in the tendons.

Beyond simply injuring a tendon, steroids can also inhibit healing and repair, which is something worth considering for those whose knee pain derives from a tendon injury.

Nerve Damage

Studies conducted in 1982 have confirmed that some steroid agents commonly in use are neurotoxic – which means that they cause damage to the nerves in the peripheral nervous system (the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord).

The damage is caused by the toxic effects of steroids on nerve fibers. Steroids can also disrupt the functioning of the blood-nerve barrier, which should keep materials from the plasma and the nerves separate.

Although steroid-induced nerve damage is sometimes reversible, you might experience motor difficulties, abnormal sensations, and changes in how your body reacts to stimuli (i.e.: you might feel pain when doing something that should be painless).

Cartilage Damage

In the knee, the cartilage plays the fundamental role of absorbing shock and friction, thus protecting bones from damage during movements. In most people with joint diseases, knee pain is caused by the degeneration of this “cushion” of soft tissue in the knee joint. 

However, if you are taking steroids to ease joint pain, you should be aware that this kind of therapy can lead to further cartilage degeneration. This happens because cortisone can prevent the release of growth factors and stop or slow down the production of new collagen (a thick fluid that makes up around 60% of the material in the cartilage).

Compromised Immune System

One of the reasons why steroids are so effective in easing knee and joint pain is that this category of drugs works by modulating the response of the immune system. In patients with inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, this can prevent the body from causing excessive inflammation, which can be damaging to the joint tissue. 

However, this effect can go both ways: over time, steroids reduce the volume and activity of the immune system. In healthy people, this might be a temporary side effect. In people with a suppressed or weak immune system, compromised immune functions can increase the risk of infections and complications.

In a 2019 study conducted by doctors Dara Grennan and Sheila Wang, it was confirmed that steroids “… reduce the ability of the immune system to function (immunosuppression). Patients taking steroids are not only more susceptible to infections but more likely to have severe or unusual infections.” These medical professionals continue to explain the severe side effects of steroids by comparing them to the aforementioned cortisol, your body’s primary and natural stress hormone. Grennan and Wang conclude that “… because steroids are so similar to cortisol, prolonged use of systemic steroids at higher doses can cause the adrenal glands to stop making cortisol. If the systemic steroid is stopped suddenly, this adrenal suppression and resulting lack of steroid can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as dangerously low blood pressure.” That said, knee pain is such a problem for patients and their doctors that they are willing to get on a steroid regimen to resolve the immediate pain with the understanding that a knee replacement or other surgery is the ultimate result.

The Complexities of Treating Knee Pain

We can’t forget that many other risk that there are many factors that may contribute to knee pain and that most of the treatments for knee pain only remediate inflammation, which is the driving force behind most chronic pain conditions. As we have mentioned before, many conditions contribute to chronic knee pain, including bone spurs, arthritis, dislocations, bad posture, and referred pain from the hip and back of the foot and ankle. It should then be assumed by patients seeking treatment that if these alternative risk factors apply to them, the use of NSAIDs, icing and corticosteroid injection will not be a very lasting treatment. If their risk factor for knee pain does not include inflammation of the muscles, the aforementioned anti-inflammatory treatments will do little to help the pain. It is therefore crucial that patients experiencing knee pain get an accurate diagnosis and identify the source or sources of their knee pain.

At Neuragenex, our goal is to look beyond treating just the symptoms and address the root causes of knee pain. Thanks to our proprietary Neurofunctional Pain Management, we are able to provide tailored treatment programs customized to each patient’s needs. This allows patients to enjoy long-lasting relief while also taking a step towards living a life free of medications and debilitating joint conditions. 

Below is an overview of our approach to treating knee pain.

What Is Neurofunctional Pain Management?

When it comes down to addressing knee pain, looking beyond the symptoms a patient might be experiencing is key to finding a solution that isn’t only long-lasting, but also sustainable. 

Our Neurofunctional Pain Management approach does just that: it takes into account factors such as lifestyle choices, medical histories, and long-term goals to help patients live free of pain. 

Our pain management programs are entirely customized around a patient’s unique needs. Here are some of the treatments and therapies we use to provide long-lasting relief and kickstart the body’s self-healing mechanism:

  • Electroanalgesia – Our MDs will deliver high-frequency pulses of electrical current to the knee area using an FDA-cleared device. The electrical current acts in the joint area by “flooding” the nervous system and preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. Additionally, electrical stimulation can trigger the production of pain-relieving hormones, such as endorphins, and improve blood circulation around the knee area, thus boosting the supply of oxygen and nutrients in the joint. 
  • Viscosupplementation and hyaluronic acid injections – Viscosupplementation refers to the practice of injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) into the joint area. This thick fluid will replenish the body’s reserves of HA, thus keeping the joint lubricated and protected against friction and shock damage. 
  • IV therapies – Some nutritional deficiencies can trigger or worsen knee pain. Our custom IV therapies aim to provide a renewed supply of nutrients that can reduce inflammation, support the healing of damaged tissues, and ease pain. 
  • Lifestyle counseling – Even when knee pain isn’t directly caused by lifestyle choices, some factors can worsen joint conditions. For example, being obese or overweight can add stress to the knee joint, thus making the complications of arthritis more likely. At Neuragenex, we maintain a holistic approach to all knee conditions, and we provide our patients with the guidelines and support needed to make better lifestyle choices for their health. 

Thanks to our expertise and availability of treatment options, we can help patients design a Neurofunctional Pain Management program that fits their medical history, lifestyle needs, and goals.

How Does Neurofunctional Pain Management Help With Knee Pain?

Regardless of the cause of knee pain, a patient’s primary concern is their ability to perform daily tasks without pain. Pain is a nervous system condition, with pain neurons referring pain to the brain and the brain interpreting that pain and creating responses. It’s a feedback loop that is supposed to be a healing mechanism, but if there is no healing occurring, then it simply becomes a negative feedback loop with the pain neurons referring to pain and the brain reacting to that pain and triggering inflammation, which causes more pain, and the cycle continues. Neurofunctional Pain Management is an effort to relieve pain while also restoring health so that the conditions causing chronic pain can be resolved as much as possible in the effort to relieve pain overall. Neuragenex is the pioneering medical group bringing Neurofunctional Pain Management to the nation. The premise of Neurofunctional Pain Management is to use high pulse electrical stimulation to relieve chronic pain and to apply health restoration efforts such as specialized hydration and nutritional deficiency restoration, in combination with robust patient education and lifestyle counselling to produce a pain relief effect and a health restoration effect that will enhance the pain relief effect, making the entire pain relief process last longer for the patient and producing an enhanced quality of life that is more than just being out of pain, but being out of pain and being healthier than they were before.

Neuragenex’s Knee Joint Pain Treatment

Neuragenex offers a Neurofunctional Pain Management solution called Neuralgesia which is a combination of high-pulse electrical stimulation and specialized hydration therapy that fits the very definition of Neurofunctional Pain Management. Neuragenex can apply this protocol to any chronic pain condition to achieve the effects of relieving pain and restoring health to magnify the patient’s quality of life. Because many chronic pain conditions are musculoskeletal-based pain problems, like bone/joint/muscle pain issues, the high pulse electrical stimulation component of Neurofunctional Pain Management is an effective therapeutic application for relieving pain. The health restoration effort may include several components depending on the patient’s specific conditions and issues, but ultimately the foundation of the patient’s health restoration is in specialized IV hydration therapy that balances and restores the nutritional deficiencies that are a primary component of chronic systemic inflammation and overall chronic pain. Neuragenex can effectively treat chronic pain conditions like peripheral neuropathy and chronic knee pain using Neuralgesia treatment protocols and the overall concepts of Neurofunctional Pain Management.