Fitness

Famous Athletes Who Overcame Major Sports Injuries

Tennis Player, Maria Sharapova, Struggled To Get Back After Torn Rotator Cuff Maria Sharapova, a Russian tennis player, suffered from a shoulder injury in 2008 that… Alli Anderson - March 9, 2023

Throughout the history of sports, there have been many athletes who have suffered devastating injuries that could have easily ended their careers. But instead of giving up, these athletes showed incredible resilience, determination, and grit to overcome their injuries and return to the field, court, or rink. From broken bones to torn ligaments, these athletes refused to let their injuries define them and went on to achieve greatness in their respective sports. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most famous athletes who overcame major sports injuries and inspired millions of fans around the world.

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Michael Jordan Defied The Odds After Breaking His Foot

Michael Jordan is one of the most famous basketball players of all time, and his story of overcoming a broken foot is legendary. In his second season with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan suffered a stress fracture in his left foot that forced him to miss 64 games. At the time, the Bulls were struggling and in danger of missing the playoffs. But Jordan was determined to come back and help his team. He worked tirelessly on his rehabilitation, even practicing with a special shoe that provided extra support for his injured foot.

Against the advice of doctors, he returned to the court with 15 games left in the regular season. In his first game back, he scored 16 points in just 15 minutes, giving fans a glimpse of the greatness to come. In the playoffs, Jordan scored an NBA-record 63 points in a game against the Boston Celtics, despite the Bulls losing the game. Though the Bulls were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round, Jordan’s heroic performance showed the world that he was a force to be reckoned with and set the stage for his future dominance in the league.

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Drew Brees Led New Orleans Saints To Super Bowl Victory After Torn Rotator Cuff

In 2005, Drew Brees suffered a severe injury to his throwing arm when he tore his rotator cuff. The injury was a significant blow to his career. The rotator cuff is an essential part of the shoulder joint that allows for arm movement, particularly for throwing a football with precision and power. For a quarterback like Brees, this injury could have ended his career entirely. He underwent extensive surgery and rehabilitation to repair the rotator cuff and regain the strength and mobility of his throwing arm. It was a long and grueling process, and there were moments when it seemed like Brees might never make a full recovery.

More recently, Brees suffered another serious injury. As the beloved quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, he suffered a serious injury during the 2020 NFL season. In Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers, Brees took a hard hit that resulted in a bruised rib on his left side. Despite the injury, he finished the game and even threw a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. However, further medical examination revealed that Brees had also suffered a collapsed lung as a result of the hit. Brees was forced to miss several games while he recovered from the injury. He was initially expected to be out for two to three weeks, but ended up missing four games in total.

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Gymnast Dominique Moceanu Performed Through Broken Tibia & Fibula

Dominique Moceanu, a gymnast representing the United States at the 1996 Olympics, endured a devastating injury during the floor exercise routine in the team finals. Despite fracturing her leg, Moceanu refused to let the injury end her Olympic dreams. With sheer determination and grit, she continued with her routines, performing through the excruciating pain. Her contribution to the team’s performance proved to be crucial as they captured the gold medal. Her heroic efforts inspired countless fans worldwide and cemented her legacy as a true champion, one who refused to let injury defeat her spirit.

Following her injury at the 1996 Olympics, Moceanu underwent surgery to repair her tibia and fibula. She was unable to compete for several months but made a successful comeback to the sport, winning the national all-around title in 1998. Moceanu continued to compete at the international level until retiring from gymnastics in 2000. After retiring, Moceanu became an advocate for young athletes, focusing on issues such as mental health, athlete safety, and the importance of education. In 2012, she published a memoir, “Off Balance,” detailing her journey as a gymnast and her personal struggles with her family.

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Tiger Woods Faced Career Ending Injuries But Continued To Dominate The Course

Tiger Woods is a legendary golfer who has faced a number of significant injuries throughout his career, including knee, back, and neck injuries. Despite these setbacks, Woods has continued to defy the odds and overcome his injuries to return to the top of his game. In 2008, he won the U.S. Open on a broken leg, showcasing his grit and determination in the face of adversity. Woods has also been known to use a combination of physical therapy, strength training to stay in top form.

Woods has undergone multiple surgeries, including spinal fusion surgery in 2017, but has always remained focused on his recovery and rehabilitation. His ability to come back from injury stronger than ever is a testament to his work ethic and commitment to the sport of golf. Even when it seemed like his career might be over, Woods refused to give up, showing the world that he is a true champion both on and off the course.

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Alex Smith Made A 2020 Comeback After Compound Fracture

Football players are no stranger to injury. In November 2018, Alex Smith, the quarterback for the Washington Redskins, suffered a devastating injury during a game against the Houston Texans. He was sacked and his leg twisted awkwardly beneath him, causing a compound fracture in his tibia and fibula. The injury was so severe that Smith required immediate surgery and was at risk of losing his leg due to the risk of infection. Over the next few weeks, Smith underwent several surgeries and was in and out of the hospital for treatment.

Smith also faced setbacks and complications during his recovery, including an infection that required more surgery and a prolonged stay in the hospital. Despite the odds, Smith persevered and eventually returned to the field in 2020, after a grueling rehabilitation process that included learning how to walk again. His return defied all expectations. Photos of his injury online show the extensive damage that he had to overcome to get back on the field.

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Bethany Hamilton Escaped The Jaws Of Death Yet Continued Surfing

Bethany Hamilton’s story is one of remarkable resilience and perseverance. In 2003, while surfing in Hawaii, a 13-year-old Hamilton was attacked by a tiger shark, which resulted in the loss of her left arm. Despite the traumatic experience, Hamilton was determined to continue her passion for surfing. She quickly adapted to surfing with one arm and was soon back in the water, competing against able-bodied surfers. Hamilton won her first national title just two years after the shark attack. She continued to compete and became a professional surfer, inspiring people around the world with her courage and tenacity.

Hamilton’s story was even turned into a feature film, “Soul Surfer,” which documented her journey to becoming a world-class surfer after the attack. In addition to her successful surfing career, Hamilton has also become an advocate for shark conservation and has established the Friends of Bethany Foundation, which supports amputees and shark attack survivors. Hamilton’s story is extremely inspiring considering she lived through most people’s nightmare scenario and became a role model for resilience and grace.

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Adrian Peterson Became NFL MVP Despite Intense Injury

Adrian Peterson is a professional football player who has faced several severe injuries throughout his career. One of his most notable injuries was a torn ACL in 2011 that had the potential to end his football career. However, Peterson’s unwavering passion for the game fueled his determination to continue playing. He underwent intense rehabilitation. And after hours of physical therapy and strength training, he was ready to tackle a comeback people would remember.

Peterson’s hard work wouldn’t go unnoticed. He returned to the field the following season and had one of his best years, rushing for over 2,000 yards and winning the NFL MVP award. Peterson’s comeback from a serious injury demonstrates his resilience and determination as an athlete. He never let his injury deter him from his love for football, inspiring both athletes and fans worldwide.

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Lindsey Vonn Won Olympic Medals After Multiple Broken Bones

Lindsey Vonn is an Olympic skier who faced numerous injuries during her skiing career. She had to overcome a broken ankle, a fractured arm, and a number of other injuries that could have ended her skiing dreams. In 2013, she suffered a severe knee injury that required surgery and months of rehabilitation. Despite the setback, Vonn remained committed to her sport and worked tirelessly to return to skiing at the highest level.

Vonn underwent extensive physical therapy, strength training, and mental preparation to get back on the slopes. Vonn’s hard work and dedication would reap numerous rewards. She won multiple World Cup titles and Olympic medals after her injury. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity continue to inspire skiers and athletes worldwide. Before retiring, Vonn won 82 World Cup races and three Olympic medals.

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Kobe Bryant Left Behind A Legacy Of Resilience

Kobe Bryant was a basketball legend who inspired fans and athletes alike with his skill and passion for the game. Throughout his career, he faced numerous injuries and setbacks, but he always found a way to bounce back stronger than before. However, his life was tragically cut short in January 2020 when he, along with his daughter and several others, died in a helicopter crash. The news of his sudden and unexpected passing sent shockwaves throughout the sports world and beyond.

In the wake of the tragedy, fans and athletes alike celebrated Bryant’s legacy and the impact he had on the game of basketball. His unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity continue to inspire people around the world to pursue their passions and never give up. Kobe Bryant’s passing was a devastating loss, but his legacy as a basketball icon and role model will continue to live on for generations to come.

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Peyton Manning’s Neck Injury Didn’t Stop Him From Becoming An NFL Legend

Peyton Manning’s football career was marked by a series of significant injuries, including a neck injury that could have ended his playing days for good. Despite the obstacles, Manning refused to give up on his dreams and used his unmatched talent, dedication, and grit to overcome his injuries and return to the field. He spent countless hours in physical therapy and rehab, working tirelessly to regain his strength and mobility. Manning’s determination and unwavering spirit were evident to his teammates and fans, who marveled at his tenacity and resilience.

Manning continued to play at an elite level, leading his teams to multiple championships and earning numerous awards and accolades along the way. Manning’s passion for the game and his relentless pursuit of excellence inspired countless athletes and fans around the world, proving that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. Peyton Manning’s legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is a testament to his remarkable talent and unwavering determination to succeed, no matter what challenges came his way.

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Monica Seles Was Stabbed By A Crazed Fan During A Tennis Match

Monica Seles was a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis, but her journey to greatness was not without its challenges. One of her most notable injuries occurred when she was just 19 years old, and a crazed fan stabbed her during a 1993 match, leading to a two-year absence from the game. Despite the traumatic event and the physical toll of multiple injuries, Seles refused to give up on her passion for tennis. But Seles refused to let her injuries define her, and instead used them as fuel to come back even stronger.

Seles devoted herself to rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain her strength and mobility after her injuries. Her relentless determination and resilience proved invaluable as she made her triumphant return to the court, ultimately claiming victory in the Australian Open in 1996. Her hard work and perseverance through adversity serve as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, demonstrating that anything can be achieved with a steadfast commitment to one’s goals.

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Kevin Durant Almost Didn’t Make It Back To The Court After Ruptured Achilles

Kevin Durant’s injury during the 2019 NBA Finals was a devastating blow to the basketball community, with many wondering if he would ever be the same player again. The rupture of his Achilles tendon was one of the most serious injuries a basketball player could suffer, and it required an extensive recovery period that would have left many feeling defeated. The rehabilitation process was lengthy and demanding, and many wondered if Durant would ever be able to return to the court. However, Durant remained undeterred, and he put in countless hours of hard work and dedication to get himself back to full fitness.

After this grueling process, Durant was finally able to return to the court and make a significant impact for his team. Durant played a pivotal role in helping the Brooklyn Nets reach the playoffs in the following season, demonstrating his incredible resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His commitment to his team and his passion for the game have made him one of the most beloved basketball players of his generation.

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Serena Williams Earned 23 Grand Slam Titles Despite Multiple Injuries

Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. However, Williams has suffered from a range of injuries, including knee and ankle injuries. Even more seriously, she developed a pulmonary embolism that kept her off the court for several months in 2011. Despite these setbacks, Williams has always been determined to overcome her injuries and return to the top of her game.

Williams has persevered through her rehabilitation, which included countless hours of physical therapy to overcome the physical and emotional challenges of being injured. Williams has also been known to alter her training and playing style to accommodate her injuries, showing her flexibility and adaptability as an athlete. Through it all, she has remained fiercely competitive, always striving to be the best player she can be, and her resilience in the face of injury has made her a true inspiration to fans all over the world.

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Beach Volleyball Star Misty May-Treanor Won Gold After Ruptured Achilles

Misty May-Treanor’s injury occurred 2008 when she landed awkwardly after practicing for Dancing With The Stars. She immediately felt a sharp pain in her Achilles tendon, and tests later confirmed that it was a complete rupture. The injury required surgery and several months of intense rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in her foot and ankle. Despite the long road to recovery, May-Treanor was determined to return to competition and defend her Olympic titles.

After months of rehabilitation, May-Treanor returned to the court and continued to dominate the sport of beach volleyball. She and her partner, Kerri Walsh Jennings, went on to win the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, making it their third consecutive gold medal together. May-Treanor’s perseverance and determination in the face of adversity proved to be an inspiration for many athletes and fans around the world. Her successful comeback is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication in overcoming even the most challenging injuries.

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Willis Reed Limped Through Game To Compete In Iconic Basketball Moment

Willis Reed, the legendary center for the New York Knicks, suffered a serious injury in Game 5 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the injury, Reed was determined to play in Game 7, a must-win game for the Knicks. Reed’s condition was uncertain, and many thought he would not be able to play at all. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Reed emerged from the locker room before the game to the astonishment of his teammates and the crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Despite visibly limping and in obvious pain, Reed managed to make the first two baskets of the game, giving the Knicks an early lead. Reed’s presence on the court served as a rallying cry for the team, who went on to win the game and secure the franchise’s first NBA championship. The moment is now iconic in basketball history. Reed’s bravery and determination to play through injury is a testament to his legendary status in the sport.

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NFL Legend, Tom Brady, Wanted To Quit Early In Career After Injuries

In 2008, the New England Patriots were expected to make another run at the Super Bowl with star quarterback Tom Brady leading the way. However, in the first game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs, Brady suffered a serious knee injury that would end his season. The injury occurred when Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard lunged at Brady’s left leg while he was in the pocket, causing his knee to buckle and resulting in a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and MCL (medial collateral ligament). The injury was a devastating blow to the Patriots, who had won three Super Bowls with Brady as their quarterback.

After the injury, Brady underwent surgery and began a long and grueling rehabilitation process. He missed the entire 2008 season, watching from the sidelines as his team struggled to a disappointing 11-5 record and missed the playoffs. Despite the setback, Brady remained determined to return to the field and prove himself once again as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. He spent the offseason working tirelessly to rebuild his strength and mobility, and by the time the 2009 season rolled around, he was ready to make his comeback.

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Softball Champ, Monica Abbott, Suffered Devastating Injury At Beijing Olympics

In 2008, Monica Abbott was one of the star pitchers for the U.S. women’s softball team at the Beijing Olympics. However, during the Olympics, Abbott suffered a tear in her labrum – a ring of cartilage in her pitching arm that helps keep the ball in place during throws. The injury was devastating for Abbott, who had been playing softball since she was a child and had dreamed of representing the United States in the Olympics.

After the Olympics, Abbott underwent surgery to repair her labrum and began a long and grueling rehabilitation process. She spent months in physical therapy, gradually working to regain her strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Despite the challenges of recovery, Abbott remained determined to return to the softball field and compete at the highest level. In 2009, Abbott made her comeback, returning to play for the Tennessee Lady Vols in college softball. She quickly regained her form, leading the Lady Vols to a national championship and earning numerous accolades and awards along the way.

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Tennis Player, Maria Sharapova, Struggled To Get Back After Torn Rotator Cuff

Maria Sharapova, a Russian tennis player, suffered from a shoulder injury in 2008 that led to her missing several competitions. Sharapova was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff in her right shoulder, and her doctors suggested immediate surgery to prevent any further damage. After her surgery, Sharapova spent months rehabilitating and working hard to recover her strength and regain her form.

She returned to the court in 2009 but struggled to get back to her peak level of play. However, her hard work paid off, and in 2012, she won the French Open, her fourth Grand Slam title. In 2014, Sharapova won the French Open again, becoming the first woman since Justine Henin to win the tournament twice in a row. Despite her injury, Sharapova proved her resilience and determination to return to the top of her sport.

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NBA Star, Paul Pierce, Was Brutally Attacked On Night Out, But Came Back On Top

In September 2000, Paul Pierce, then a young NBA star, was enjoying a night out with friends at a Boston nightclub. However, things took a violent turn when he was attacked and stabbed 11 times, including a wound to the lung that nearly took his life. Pierce underwent emergency surgery and was hospitalized for two weeks. Despite the traumatic incident, he was determined to return to the court and resume his career.

Pierce worked hard to regain his strength and mobility, eventually returning to the Celtics lineup for the 2001-2002 season. In the years that followed, Pierce became a Celtics legend, leading the team to an NBA championship in 2008 and earning Finals MVP honors. His determination and resilience in the face of such a horrific incident continue to inspire basketball fans to this day.

Health

The Best Non-Surgical Alternatives For Chronic Knee Pain

Although chronic knee pain is commonly treated with knee replacement surgery, the operation has one of the highest regret rates of any medical procedure. Like all… Aisha Abdullah - March 8, 2023

Although chronic knee pain is commonly treated with knee replacement surgery, the operation has one of the highest regret rates of any medical procedure. Like all surgeries, it carries a risk of complications, and it isn’t a solution that works for everyone. Many patients who regret the surgery say that they wish they knew about alternative options for chronic knee pain before going under the knife. These are some of the best non-surgical alternatives to treat knee pain.

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Knee Surgery Can Be Life-Changing, But Many People Regret It

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that primarily affects the knees and hips. The disease develops when the cartilage in your joints breaks down, either from injury or overwork, causing your bones to rub against each other. Osteoarthritis in the knees causes chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness. The condition has no cure, but there are effective treatments, including knee replacement surgery.

The procedure involves replacing the damaged part of the knee with a prosthetic, reducing pain and stiffness. Although many people report that the surgery vastly improved their lives, as many as 20 percent of people who get the procedure are not satisfied with the results. The surgery can be risky and doesn’t always relieve pain. It also may not be a permanent solution. The knee prosthetic typically lasts for 15 to 20 years, so younger people who have the surgery will likely have to have their knee replacement replaced. Especially for people with less severe symptoms, knee replacement may be too extreme of a treatment.

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Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Are One of the Most Common Answers to Knee Pain

Most people are advised to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at the first sign of knee pain. The drugs offer fast and inexpensive relief from chronic knee pain and can be purchased at any drug or grocery store. NSAIDs can be taken orally or as a topical cream rubbed directly onto the joint. The drugs include over-the-counter medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (e.g., Aleve), and prescription celecoxib.

As the name implies, NSAIDs work by blocking two enzymes, including one that causes inflammation. Although NSAIDs are an effective option for treating knee pain, they are not without risks. One of the two enzymes that NSAIDs block plays a role in protecting your stomach lining. That means that taking NSAIDs can cause stomach problems like indigestion and ulcers. Prescription NSAIDs only block the inflammation-causing enzyme and don’t harm the stomach.

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Non-NSAIDs Pain Medication Provides Safer Arthritis Relief

NSAIDs are a common, effective way to relieve knee pain. But using these drugs regularly, in high doses, or over long periods can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and stomach. People who are at higher risk for heart disease, kidney disease, or have a history of stomach ulcers may be advised to avoid NSAIDs.

Fortunately, acetaminophen (Tylenol) provides relief from knee pain without fewer risks than NSAIDs. Also called paracetamol, the medication works by changing how your brain responds to pain. Acetaminophen is much easier on the stomach and kidneys and is safe for people with a variety of chronic health conditions, including pregnancy. However, because the drug isn’t anti-inflammatory, it may not ease the swelling and stiffness that comes with osteoarthritis. Additionally, in very high doses, it can cause liver damage.

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Low Impact Exercises Relieve Aching Knees Without Pressure

Your first instinct when experiencing knee pain may be to avoid exercise to avoid making it worse. But exercise is necessary to keep your whole body, including your knees, healthy. Low-impact exercises are those that get your heart up and help you stay fit without putting pressure on sore knees. It also helps strengthen the muscles supporting the knees and reduces stiffness. Walking is one of the best and cheapest low-impact exercises.

Getting in a half-hour walk a few times a week can help you stay in shape and feel better overall. Other types of low-impact workouts include ellipticals, bike riding, yoga, and swimming. You should never push yourself to work out through serious or worsening knee pain. Finding the right low-impact exercise for you may take time, but the positive impacts on your knees and whole body are worth it.

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Physical Therapy Strengthens Knee Muscles

The goal of physical therapy is to improve your ability to move and perform everyday tasks with an injury or illness. For people with chronic knee pain, physical therapy can help improve the health of their joints and reduce the need for knee replacement surgery. Strengthening physical therapy exercises tone and strengthen the muscles that support your knees.

They also reduce the risk of further injury to the knee by training your body to appropriately distribute pressure on the knees, back, and hips when standing or moving. This reduces wear and tear on the joint. Flexibility training exercises help increase your joint’s range of motion and improve overall joint function. Working with a physical therapist can help you not only with knee pain but also with swelling and stiffness.

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Weight Loss Can Take Pressure Off Joints

One of the reasons that knee pain is so common is that our knees bear a lot of weight, literally. Your knee joints support the weight of the upper body and feel the force of that weight whenever you’re standing, walking, or running. Losing weight can help take some of that pressure off of your knees, which in turn can help reduce chronic pain. For example, one study found that 10 pounds of weight equals 40 pounds of pressure on your knees.

That means that every pound lost is like taking 4 pounds off of your knees. Another study found that patients with knee pain who lost weight reported less pain, improved joint function, and better overall quality of life. Weight loss has also been shown to reduce joint inflammation, improve osteoarthritis symptoms, and slow down the progression of the disease.

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Prescription Opioids Are Powerful Knee Pain Relievers

When over-the-counter pain relievers and other treatment options are not enough to deal with knee pain, a doctor may prescribe the prescription opioid tramadol. The medicine treats moderate to severe pain by altering how the brain processes it. In clinical trials, opioids were as effective as NSAIDs at reducing pain from osteoarthritis. Like acetaminophen, it has a lower risk of kidney, heart, or stomach problems than NSAIDs.

However, like all opioids, tramadol is a controlled substance with the potential for abuse and addiction if it is not taken appropriately. Tramadol can also cause dizziness or drowsiness that may impact your ability to drive or work. Still, the drug may be a safer option for people who do not respond to or are unable to take other painkillers.

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Steroid Can Help Knock Out Pain and Swelling in Your Knees

When our bodies are under stress, it naturally releases a hormone called cortisol. This hormone keeps our immune system in check and controls inflammation. Corticosteroids are synthetic chemicals that replicate the anti-inflammatory action of cortisol. Sometimes called steroids for short, corticosteroids are fast-acting and powerful treatments, typically reducing pain and swelling within hours. Steroids can be taken orally or applied topically as a cream.

But, for osteoarthritis, steroids are most commonly given as injections directly into the knee muscles or arteries. The effects of the treatment can last up to three months. One drawback of steroid injections is that they have a high risk of side effects, including suppressing your body’s natural ability to make cortisol and bone loss. Steroid injections are great for short-term pain relief but shouldn’t be used over long periods because of the side effect risk.

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Joint Fluid Therapy Temporarily Restores Knee Function

If pain relievers and lifestyle changes don’t improve your knee pain, your doctor may suggest joint fluid therapy. Also called viscosupplementation or gel knee injections, this quick and easy procedure involves injecting a gel-like fluid called hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint. The body naturally produces the fluid to lubricate the joint and protect it from damage. But people with osteoarthritis have less hyaluronic acid to cushion the joint, making it more vulnerable to injury.

Joint fluid therapy restores normal levels of hyaluronic acid to the joint and provides relief from chronic knee pain. Gel knee injections can provide months of pain relief and can be repeated every six months. Depending on the type of treatment you receive, you may need only one injection or several injections spaced out over a few weeks.

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Genicular Artery Embolization Reduces Inflammation from Osteoarthritis

One of the first signs of inflammation is the abnormal growth of blood vessels. This process results in an increase in blood flow to the inflammation site, leading to the swelling and pain that is characteristic of osteoarthritis. Genicular artery embolization is a new approach to treating osteoarthritis-related knee pain. The treatment blocks the first stage of inflammation by preventing blocking increased blood flow to the joint.

Like joint fluid therapy, genicular artery embolization is fast, low-risk, and minimally invasive. Between 80 to 85 percent of people who have the procedure report significant improvements in pain and joint function. Additionally, two studies found that patients reported continued alleviation of pain and stiffness a year after the procedure.

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Radio Waves That Warm Up Nerves Are a New Knee Surgery Alternative

Another relatively new alternative to knee replacement surgery is cooled radiofrequency ablation. The procedure involves using an electrode to first heat up the nerves around the knee joint and then cool them down. This process, known as cooled radiofrequency ablation, interferes with the nerves’ ability to send pain signals to the brain. The treatment was approved to treat knee pain in 2017 and is not as well studied as other knee pain treatments.

However, one study found that around three-quarters of people who received the treatment reported significant improvements in symptoms six months later. A more recent study found similar results in 80 percent of patients after a year. The procedure is outpatient and minimally invasive but can be quite expensive.

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Topical Pain Medications Can Alleviate Arthritis Pain

Treatments for chronic knee pain don’t always have to involve pills or injections. Topical pain medications can be applied directly to the joint, providing fast pain relief. Topical treatments may come in gel, cream, spray, or patch forms that deliver the drug right where it’s most needed. One major benefit of topical treatments is that they typically have fewer side effects than other pain treatments because they aren’t interacting with the rest of your body.

Topical pain treatments often contain salicylates (aspirin), which is an anti-inflammatory pain killer. Capsaicin is a chemical that naturally occurs in chili peppers. When added to topical pain treatments, capsaicin causes a heating effect that prevents nerve cells from sending pain signals to the rest of the nervous system. Other topical pain medicine active ingredients are chemicals like menthol and lidocaine, which reduce your perception of pain.

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Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy May Help Repair Damaged Knees

Our bodies have an incredible ability to heal after injury and illness. Platelets are blood cells that cause blood to clot and play an important role in tissue healing. Experimental platelet-rich plasma therapy harnesses the healing ability of these cells to repair damaged tissue, such as a torn Achilles tendon.

This type of treatment that induces the body to heal itself is called regenerative medicine. For people with osteoarthritis, the procedure involves taking a patient’s blood, extracting the platelets, and injecting them directly into the knee joint. When combined with other treatments, platelet-rich plasma reduces knee pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis. Although the results are promising, more studies are needed to determine if the therapy is an effective treatment for knee pain on its own.

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Stem Cell Therapy is an Experimental Knee Pain Treatment

Like platelet-rich plasma, stem cell therapy is another experimental, regenerative knee pain treatment that uses a patient’s cells to help them heal. Stem cells can produce many different types of cells, including cells that can replace or repair damaged tissue. The bone marrow, the soft tissue inside our bones, contains billion of stem cells that will become blood cells.

Bone marrow concentrates (BMC) are stem cells that have been extracted from a patient’s bone marrow, which can then be injected into the knee joint. The goal of the treatment is to encourage the healing of damaged cartilage in the knee. Similar to platelet-rich plasma therapy, there isn’t a lot of data about the effectiveness of BMC injections in treating knee pain. However, animal studies have shown promising results, and there’s an ongoing clinical trial in humans.

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Acupuncture is an Alternative Medicine Approach to Knee Pain

Acupuncture is a practice adopted from traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles into the skin to relieve pain and inflammation. There isn’t much scientific evidence to back up the effects of acupuncture, but many people swear by it. Some practitioners believe that the therapy increases blood flow or promotes the release of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that help alleviate pain. Because there is no clear method and the technique is difficult to standardize, it’s unclear how much of the healing powers of acupuncture are simply a placebo effect.

One study found that osteoarthritis patients who received acupuncture treatments were no more effective at reducing pain than placebo. However, there is some evidence that acupuncture may help improve osteoarthritis symptoms when paired with other treatments. Some experts, including the American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation, recommend acupuncture on the condition that it may be worth trying.

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Prolotherapy Uses a Sugar Solution to Trigger the Immune System

Prolotherapy is an alternative therapy that claims to relieve pain by injecting a dextrose sugar solution into the joint. The solution causes irritation in the joint, which triggers your body’s immune response to start healing the damaged area. Like many alternative medical approaches, there is some evidence of a slight benefit of prolotherapy but not enough for most doctors to recommend it.

Some small studies have shown slight, short-term improvements in knee pain following the treatment. But the lack of long-term data or controlled studies makes it difficult to determine how much of the benefit is a placebo effect. Although the effectiveness of prolotherapy is debatable, the treatment is inexpensive and has few safety concerns. Some doctors say that as long as patients are continuing other, more proven treatments, there’s no harm in trying prolotherapy.

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Many People Use Walking Aids Like Canes to Manage Knee Pain

Taking pressure off your knee can go a long way toward reducing knee pain. Walking aids are designed to help you do just that by allowing you to transfer your weight away from your knees. There are many different types of walking aids; it’s just a matter of finding the right one for you. Canes are probably the most common mobility aid, for a good reason. They are affordable, can be purchased in most pharmacies, and don’t require a learning curve to use.

Canes come in many different styles and may have additional feet for added stability. A crutch may be helpful when you’re dealing with a flare-up of knee pain. The devices prevent you from putting too much weight on your knee but can be uncomfortable to use long-term. Walkers provide the most support and stability of any walking aid. You can even buy walkers with seats so you can rest if you’ve been on your feet too long.

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Braces and Orthotics Take Pressure Off Your Knees

Supporting your knees with braces or orthotics (shoe inserts) can help reduce pain and stiffness. Braces wrap around the knee and keep your knee steady and aligned without putting too much pressure on the joint. Braces may be inexpensive compression sleeves that also help reduce swelling or a more expensive unloader brace that allow you to shift weight to the healthier side of your knee.

Orthotics are shoes or shoe inserts that help take pressure off of your joints. They can provide relief if you’re experiencing milder knee pain or want to avoid further damage. Just switching to shoes with better support can do wonders for your knees.

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Supplements Help Support Healthy, Pain-free Joints

Your doctor may recommend that you take dietary supplements in addition to other treatments to help manage knee pain. The most common supplement for osteoarthritis is glucosamine and chondroitin, which are two components of cartilage. A large study found that glucosamine supplements slightly improved knee pain and mobility compared to placebo. Another study found that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin was effective at alleviating knee pain, inflammation, and stiffness, at least as effective as the prescription NSAID celecoxib.

The anti-inflammation supplement SAM-e has also been found to be as effective as over-the-counter NSAIDs at reducing pain from osteoarthritis. Although supplements typically have fewer supplements than other treatments, it’s important to speak to your doctor before starting any supplement plan.

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Diet Changes Can Help Reduce Knee Inflammation

Your diet impacts every aspect of your health, including the health of your joints. Because knee pain is often caused by inflammation, eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help you manage your symptoms. The best foods for reducing inflammation are fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, and sardines, that are packed with omega-3 fatty acids.

Nuts and seeds are also good sources of fat. Fresh fruit and vegetables, especially leafy greens, lean protein, healthy oils, and whole grains are important parts of an anti-inflammatory diet. Foods to avoid processed junk foods like potato chips, foods high in added sugar and cholesterol, and red meat.

Where Do We Find This Stuff? Here Are Our Sources:

Knee Replacement Alternatives to Consider | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery – Are They Really Effective?

5 options for knee arthritis pain – Mayo Clinic Health System

Knee Replacement Alternative Relieves Pain, Retains Mobility.

6 alternatives to knee replacement surgery | TRIA blog

Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery

Non-surgical Treatment Options for Knee Pain | Phelps Health

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