Knee pain is no longer a complaint restricted to the elderly and now affects a significant portion of the adult population. A survey by Pés Sem Dor consultancy shows that 69% of Brazilians over the age of 18 report some type of discomfort in the joint.

Most of these cases are associated with osteoarthritisa condition characterized by progressive wear of the cartilage. Today, it is estimated that around 15 million Brazilians live with the problem, according to the Ministry of Health. For orthopedist pain specialist Dr. Lúcio Gusmão, founder of Rede CADE, the increase in cases is also linked to changes in the population’s lifestyle.

“Cartilage is responsible for cushioning the impact between the bones and ensuring smooth movement of the joint. A sedentary lifestyle and weight gain make the joint more demanding than it should be, accelerating the wear and tear process. Many people live with discomfort and postpone care, but small changes can make a difference”, he states.

Next, the doctor highlights essential care to relieve knee pain. Check it out!

1. Weight management and nutrition

Excess weight accelerates cartilage wear and intensifies dor. “Each extra kilo of a sedentary person represents a greater burden on the joint. Weight loss must be combined with adequate and healthy nutrition for long-term improvement”, explains Dr. Lúcio Gusmão.

Furthermore, the doctor highlights that nutritional support with collagen, vitamins and minerals with anti-inflammatory action contributes to maintaining joint health. In addition to pain relief, they help to restructure the injured tissue.

2. Muscle strengthening and physical exercises

Regular exercise, especially weight training and low-impact activities, is essential for stabilizing the joint. Walking, cycling and supervised strength training are among the main recommendations. “Strong muscles act as support for the knee. This way, we can improve biomechanics and reduce stress on the cartilage, as well as reducing the risk of injuries in everyday life”, he highlights.

3. Heat packs and breaks from routine

Applying heat or ice can help relieve pain and discomfort in everyday life, especially after exertion and prolonged periods in the same position. “Ice is more recommended in phases of acute pain or inflammation, while heat helps to relax muscles and improve blood circulation in the region”, advises the doctor.

4. Stimulating the body’s natural recovery

One of the main advances in treatment of knee pain is regenerative medicine, which acts directly on the biological processes of the joint to promote tissue repair. “These technologies act directly on the cellular environment, eliminating dysfunctional cells and stimulating the regeneration of healthy ones. It is a biological support for the body to recover lost function more quickly”, explains Dr. Lúcio Gusmão.

According to the doctor, these approaches represent an important alternative for the initial and moderate stages of osteoarthritis, and can avoid more invasive procedures, such as the placement of prostheses.

5. Physiotherapy and functional rehabilitation

Physiotherapy plays a central role in treatment, improving mobility, correcting movement patterns and reducing pain. Specific techniques help rebalance the joint and prevent the condition from progressing. “The rehabilitation process is essential to restore knee functionality. It is not enough to alleviate pain, it is necessary to recover movement with quality, flexibility and mobility”, says the founder of Rede CADE.

6. Consistency in treatment and lifestyle changes

More than specific interventions, success in controlling pain depends on continuity of care. “Strengthen cartilage requires constancy. These are serial therapy sessions, associated with a commitment to lifestyle changes. When the patient understands this, the results are more lasting”, concludes Dr. Lúcio Gusmão.

By David Goulart