Nearly 10,000 patients reveal what works best for knee arthritis pain relief
A large-scale meta-analysis of nearly 10,000 patients suggests that knee braces, water therapy, and exercise are the most effective non-drug treatments for knee osteoarthritis. The study compared 12 different therapies to help patients manage pain and stiffness.
Why it matters
Providing evidence-based, drug-free alternatives for chronic pain management helps patients avoid the risks associated with long-term anti-inflammatory medication use.
Knee braces, water therapy, and exercise may be among the most effective drug-free options for people with knee osteoarthritis, according to a large analysis published in the open-access journal PLOS One . The research was led by Yuan Luo of the First People's Hospital of Neijiang, China.
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a widespread joint condition that affects millions of older adults. It can cause persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee, sometimes making everyday activities much harder.
Many patients are treated with anti-inflammatory medications, but these drugs can carry gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks. That has increased interest in treatments that can relieve symptoms without relying on medication.
Researchers Compare 12 Knee Osteoarthritis Treatments
To determine which non-drug therapies appear to work best, the researchers analyzed evidence from 139 clinical trials involving nearly 10,000 people.
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