Nearly 10,000 patients reveal what works best for knee arthritis pain relief

A major analysis of 139 clinical trials involving nearly 10,000 people suggests that some of the simplest treatments may work best for knee osteoarthritis. Knee braces ranked highest overall for reducing pain, stiffness, and mobility problems, while water-based therapy was especially effective for pain and regular exercise consistently improved both pain and physical function. More high-tech approaches, including ultrasound, generally performed worse.

Nearly 10,000 patients reveal what works best for knee arthritis pain relief. Knee braces ranked particularly well, while ultrasound was consistently one of the least effective options. The research was led by Yuan Luo of the First People’s Hospital of Neijiang, China.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a widespread joint condition that affects millions of older adults. It can cause persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee, sometimes making everyday activities much harder. Many patients are treated with anti-inflammatory medications, but these drugs can carry gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks.