Knee Arthritis Treatments Without Surgery

This video will review the best non-surgical treatment for knee arthritis. We will go over treatment without surgery and review the best treatment options to treat short term pain, long term pain, and how to prevent arthritis from getting worse. Treatment options we will cover include exercise and physical therapy, load management, topical NSAIDs, PRP injections, viscosupplementation injections, tylenol, oral NSAIDs, opiates, steroid injections, and knee arthroscopy.

► Things my patients have found helpful:
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*Supplements*
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*Soft Tissue & Rehab*

*Braces & Supports*

*Recommended Textbooks & Resources*

► ABOUT ME

Jeffrey Peng MD is a nonoperative orthopedist and sports medicine specialist. He created a YouTube channel and blog to translate cutting edge medical knowledge and clinical research to benefit all those looking to live an active and healthy lifestyle. He focuses on maximizing non-surgical treatments for sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. He specializes in using orthobiologics and ultrasound guided minimally invasive techniques to treat osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Peng is board certified in sports medicine and family medicine. He completed residency with the Stanford family medicine residency program and completed his sports medicine training with the Stanford primary care sports medicine fellowship in San Jose. He is an active faculty member for both programs and is excited about training the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Peng’s sports medicine clinic is located in Campbell, California.

► Disclaimer

My content reflects my own opinion and does not represent the views or opinions of my employers or hospital systems I am affiliated with. They are meant for educational purposes only. They do not substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

[mayamaker]

I have had osteoarthritis of both knees for 16 years now. My orthopaedic doctor at first recommended physiotherapy to reduce the swelling and inflammation. After that I was given a set of exercises to strengthen my leg muscles that support the knees, to do daily for the rest of my life. As they got easier, I added ankle weights. Now I have graduated to 1.5 kg on each ankle. I am now 76 years old, go a few times a year on mountain treks (using knee supports) and I am pain free. It was also important to keep my weight down. I follow a very low carbohydrate, vegetarian diet with eggs and dairy. I avoid fruit because of the carbohydrate content and vegetables that grow underground. I lost 10 kg and now I'm at an acceptable weight. This diet is now normal for me. Discipline is preferable to pain!

[Hawkaso]

I am 33 years old and work as a nurse. Two months ago I suddenly developed severe pain in both my knees. The doctor said I had osteoarthritis (grade 3 (moderate) in both knees, but I never noticed anything. I have resigned myself to the fact that I will soon be walking around with two knee replacements :(. The pain is very difficult to bear, even with painkillers. I'm still so young and just don't know what to do. I will soon no longer be able to do my job as it is very physically demanding. My doctor told me that knee prostheses don't last as long in young people (because young people are more active). My life is hell, I'm afraid of my future. Maybe one day a miracle will happen and the much hoped-for healing will come for us all. Sorry for my poor English.

[Seipupu]

Am 48 years old and today I found out from my doctor that I have arthritis in my knee and ankle. This video has helped me tremendously. Thankyou ❤

[Maverickt]

Wife and I are in our 50’s and have been on the Mediterranean diet for a couple years now. Combined with daily exercise, especially walking, she’s down 30 lbs and I’m down 10. Her knee issues have significantly improved.

[avasaralanarayanarao]

Knee pain related to back bone, hip joint s and thighs.Many people concentrates only on knees.That is not correct.First of all weight lose is the major part to reduce the pain.Next strengthen the muscles of thighs and hamstring.Body balancing on both the legs .
I am 68 years old.I reduced my weight upto 12 kgs by controlling intake of sugars and carbs.I am grade 3 oa knee joint patient.Now the pain was reduced maximum.I am using glucosamine and collegen tabs last 6 days.its useful.I am enjoying my walking 😊. Friends be educate more and more than tabs and other things.Its good time many experts are coming to our hand through social media So lets follow them.Thank you.Thanks to the doctor.

[veronica]

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and was facing possible knee replacement. My husband became ill and I became the caregiver requiring me to go up and down our stairs many times a day. Far more than I normally had. My knee improved so much! I was amazed! Exercise dramatically improved my knee problems.

[fieldsrealestate]

I just turned 51 and have had my first Baker's cyst 10 years ago. I first noticed them when I moved to a new home which had hard wood floors. Within a few weeks of moving in and walking on the hard wood I had my first bakers cyst. I didn't even know I had a lump on the back of my knee until my fiance noticed it. It was huge! At the time I wasn't sure what it was but looked online and self diagnosed the issue. It went on for several days / weeks and it would not go away. It was only in my left knee. I started to wear slippers with cushioning to see if it would help. And it did!!! I now wear slippers at all times when on hard wood floors. If I remove the slippers only for 10 minutes my knee pain will come back and I will have another cyst. The best thing you can do is wear shoes or slippers with as much cushioning as you can. If you don't notice any improvement try another pair. Do not use just rubber like crocks because it does not help. You need slippers that are like walking shows for support. I would imagine if you have hip pain this might help as well. Needless to say 10 years later so long as I keep wearing my slippers and use good shoes I have been able to keep them away. But I am not kidding, if I take them off, within 10 minutes of walking on hard wood floors I will have bad pain and a lump will start.

Please pass this along to anyone who has baker's cysts!

[MrsPattyann]

Wow thanks I just had the X-ray yesterday and am feeling discouraged as I know I have significant arthritis in both knees. Usually pain in just one. I’m a new follower and looking forward to learning more.

[rehana]

I admire you sharing this knowledge without any selfishness. Much helpful for us. May God bless you. 🙏

[mikestock]

I've just started with therapy for arthritis in my right knee.
At first I was eager to undergo surgery...
My doctor was saying he wants to hold off on surgery until I'm 60...I'm 47 years old now.
Thus far I'm two days into my knee therapy...so far the muscles in the quadriceps and hips feel so much more stable....I'm convinced therapy is a go to for relief from arthritis.

P.S. You remind me of my Orthopedic doctor who performed my total shoulder replacement surgery in June of 2023...
Take that as a compliment,
Your upbeat personality shines through like no tomorrow..
You are a great doctor in great spirits.

[vinquinn]

I have tried pretty much all of these options without much benefit. Loosing some weight did help. I walk a lot, but eventually that started to made things worse. I finally got a total knee replacement and it was like a miracle. I was 80 years old when I had it done. I had it done in Athens, Greece by a doctor who specializes in this surgery. After about only two weeks I was good to go. After a month or two I was near to perfect. I so regret not having this done sooner as I was in pain for nearly two years.

[iamanovercomer]

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.on my hip and the Dr wanted surgery. I told him I want physical therapy and I started to take a shot of Bragg's Raw Apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of raw honey in 16 oz of warm water and it helps ‼️ I won't take pills or drugs... I rather do lemon, ginger root and turmeric before Rx

[billagnor]

Thank you for such a thorough coverage of my knee hurting. I have tried exercise, steroids, weight loss, and now moved to jell shots which are working very well at present. I never had a table showing the medical progressions and I truly thank you for your explanation and chart. Sincerely yours Bill Agnor age 82

[patphares]

Excellent presentation with a lot of explanation on treatments with pros and cons. Very comprehensive overview! Fantastic video.

[edmundlai]

Great information that most doctors don’t tell you.

[winhtut]

A highly professional doctor, my royal salute.
Will keep watching and study carefully.
Thanks a lot

[rwli]

I am so happy that I found your channel. You are informative, encouraging and offer so many helpful exercises to help this old lady. There is no one who could be compared to you.

[rondye]

At 74 I am on the list for my second knee replacement. One damaged in a motorcycle accident decades ago had staph infection and no surgeon wanted to take a chance on surgery. Finally got so bad I was willing to get a prosthesis if they had to remove it. My other knee did all the work and now worn out and extremely painful will get replaced. I believe the first damaged knee spread arthritis to most other joints in my body. All osteo.

[dionfeist]

Thank you for the videos! I’ve had arthritis for 13 years and has been a couple years since my last flare up. 6 months I started a low carb and low sugar diet and went from a 40 in waist to a 34 and will soon be 32 in. I will be doing these exercises.

[feminineone]

Just was told that my arthritis has progressed to moderate.. thanks for the thorough information 🌺🙏🏽