Non-injection treatments for arthritis in knee

I can relate to what you are going through. I’m a former collegiate wrestler and long-time martial artist—my knees have been through a lot over the years. I now work in the wellness field and have found a combination of strategies that helps me manage pain, maintain joint function, and slow deterioration—without injections or medications.

Here is what has helped me personally:

Collagen Peptides (Types 1, 2, and 3) – support the structure of cartilage, ligaments, and connective tissue.

Vitamin C (I use Ester-C) – essential for collagen synthesis and joint repair.

Baxyl (liquid hyaluronic acid supplement) – a patented, vegan formula designed for joint comfort and mobility; I’ve had the best results with this specific brand.

PEMF therapy – supports joint healing by improving circulation and reducing inflammation, and may also help with immune system balance and even peripheral nerve discomfort.

Targeted stretching and prudent resistance training – keeps the surrounding muscles strong, supporting the joint without aggravating it.

Each of these works from a different angle—structural support, inflammation control, mobility, and function. I’ve also seen others benefit from this kind of multi-faceted, non-invasive approach.

If it would be helpful, I’m happy to share more privately about what I have seen work. Wishing you comfort and solutions that fit your unique needs.

Hi detc,

Lidocaine 5% patches are also available in the US via Rx. I use them on my shoulder each night and they work. Not sure they would work as well on the knee, they are quite large. Also, insurance won't always approve these patches. In that case 4% patches are available OTC.

Joe

Hi detc,

Sorry for what you're going through. Both of my knees were bone on bone until I had them replaced in 2022. Now they feel great.

I had a few cortisone injections and can't say they worked very well. There are gel injections, PRP injections, and I think an injection derived from stem cells. I truly think that if used long-term, these are band aids in place of a TKR. I also understand some people are worried about the surgery (there are always risks, however unlikely) but would like the pain to go away or subside.

So I have two, non-shot ideas for you:

1) Voltaren gel. This is an OTC product that contains the NSAID diclofenac, a real treatment for pain as opposed to a menthol rub. I have used this on my shoulder and it works well, and I think it is. well suited for the hip. You can also check with your Dr, about getting an Rx for diclofenac. I use it for shoulder pain.

2) On Amazon there is an ice pack under the band name "Hurt Skirt" (sp?). I've used many frozen gels, but these are designed to easily wrap around the entire knee, and they last quite a while. These provide instant relief.

I also use Professional Bio-Freeze on my shoulder. This is imo the best menthol product to ease joint and muscle pain. There are many of these products, and I have found Bio-Freeze to be the best. You can buy it as a gel, spray, or roll on. The menthol smell fades quickly.

These are all temporary answers. But I find all three to be at least as effective as cortisone shots. Finally, I don't think the gel, PRP or stem cell shots are covered by insurance.

I hope these suggestions are useful. Is TKR an option for you?

Joe

Thanks Tad,

Before I had my knees replaced, I hired a trainer to get my legs in shape for the surgery and recovery. It worked so well I postponed the surgery by almost a year.

"Prudent resistance training" - that is exactly right, and a PT or trainer would be a huge help.

Great suggestion!

Joe

Two quick questions:
1.) Where do you buy the collagen peptides and are they expensive? What dosage do you take (daily?), and are Types 1,2, and3 separate supplements or combined?
2.) Do you think the BAXYL hyaluronic acid is broken down in the stomach with acidic content, and are injections a better option, even knowing the HLA injections are not effective for some patients? Dosage?
Thanks in advance - I just got arthroscopic surgery on my left knee in mid-April, and the stiffness and swelling are making mobility very difficult. I limp a lot. I have not started physical therapy yet due to the pain in the knee, that runs also up to my hip.

Hi Joe! You are always so good about exercising and recommendations. I use lidocaine 5% ointment which is covered by insurance when I’m not using the 4% patches also covered by insurance. The ointment gets into lots of places that I can’t maneuver with the patches. Regards and in good health, Lori
PS I just found a cream lotion that I like very much it’s made by Sagely naturals. They’re “circulation cream“ is super great with a kind of invigorating capsaciem, Arnica, Base and their extra strength cooling peppermint line is also good for clearing my sinuses and moisturizing and soothing pain in my hands and wrists. They have lots of roll lawns, bombs Creams, and lotions. I picked them up when they run sales like 40 or 50% off because it’s pricey it works as good as the Biofreeze used to work for me.

Thank you so much for the multiple suggestions for my situation. I really appreciate it. I will do research on the treatments and supplements you mentioned. Hopefully, I will hit upon the proper solution and will avoid any injections. Glad to hear that you have been successful managing your issues. If I have any further questions, I will reach out to you.