Living with knee osteoarthritis can make every step feel like a struggle. For many older adults, finding a way to manage constant pain while staying mobile is a daily challenge. Recent research looked at different ways to help these patients without using medication.
The analysis of 13 trials found that exercise therapy was the most consistent and reliable method for reducing pain and improving physical function. While other methods like traditional Chinese medicine therapies showed some benefit, they were not as consistent as exercise. Physical therapy modalities did not show a statistically significant difference in results.
It is important to note that these findings come from a wide range of studies with different intensities and durations. Because the programs varied so much, the results for certain treatments are less certain. However, the evidence points strongly toward exercise as a reliable tool for improving daily life.
