For many of us, the terms “knee pain” and “arthritis” conjure images of the elderly, navigating life with the aches and pains that come with advancing years. However, a new reality has emerged—one where these conditions are not confined to the ageing population but have extended their reach to the young and active. In particular, the prevalence of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, has been on the rise in Singapore.
In 2007, the National Health Surveillance Survey, conducted by the Ministry of Health in Singapore, delivered a startling revelation: 23.7% of Singaporean adults aged 18 to 50 reported suffering from arthritis or chronic joint problems. This marked an alarming increase compared to a previous survey in 2001, where only 7.4% of adults between 18 and 64 were affected by arthritis.
A study published in the reputable “Annals” journal highlights that 96% of knee replacements performed in Singapore are caused by osteoarthritis, and 4.8% of people who receive total knee replacements are below the age of 50.
Knee pain refers to discomfort or pain experienced in and around the knee joint. It can result from a variety of factors, including injuries, overuse, underlying medical conditions, and age-related changes.
Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is a specific form of arthritis characterised by the gradual degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the joints. It commonly occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the knees.
In osteoarthritis, the smooth cartilage that lines the ends of bones within the knee joint wears away over time. This loss of cartilage leads to friction between bones, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. As the condition progresses, the joint may become more swollen, and the range of motion can be severely limited. Bone spurs, or bony outgrowths, may also form in response to the joint’s attempt to repair itself, further contributing to pain and reduced mobility.
Living with knee pain and knee osteoarthritis in Singapore presents a multitude of challenges that extend beyond physical discomfort. These challenges can have a profound impact on various aspects of an individual’s life, leading to significant adjustments and limitations:
Conventional treatments offer a range of options for managing knee pain and osteoarthritis, addressing pain relief, inflammation reduction, and joint function improvement. However, these treatments have their limitations, often providing temporary relief or addressing symptoms without directly addressing the underlying cause.
Here, we delve into the most common medical treatments for knee pain and knee osteoarthritis in Singapore, discussing their benefits and limitations.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can provide quick relief from pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections directly into the joint offer temporary relief, while viscosupplementation involves injecting lubricating fluid to enhance joint function.
Benefits: Medications and injections target immediate symptom relief.
Limitations: Medications may not slow osteoarthritis progression, and long-term NSAID use can have side effects. Injections provide temporary relief.
Physical therapists design exercises to strengthen muscles around the knee, improve joint flexibility, and promote better mobility. Techniques like manual therapy and education on body mechanics empower individuals to manage pain.
Benefits: Physical therapy aims to enhance joint function, mobility, and overall well-being.
Limitations: Effectiveness relies on consistent exercise commitment, and not all may experience immediate relief.
Surgical options include arthroscopy for minor damage and partial/total knee replacement for severe cases.
Benefits: Surgery offers long-lasting relief and improved joint function.
Limitations: Surgery carries risks and requires significant recovery time, usually considered when other treatments are ineffective or damage is severe.
In recent years, red light therapy has emerged as a non-invasive and promising treatment option for various musculoskeletal conditions, including knee pain and osteoarthritis.
Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, harnesses the healing properties of light to stimulate natural processes within the body.
It involves exposing the affected area, in this case, the knee joint, to a specific wavelength of red or near-infrared light. This light is absorbed by the cells, promoting various cellular processes that contribute to tissue repair, reduced inflammation, and pain relief.
Studies have highlighted red light therapy’s effectiveness in lessening pain and enhancing the quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
One significant aspect of the clinical evidence lies in the impact of red light therapy on inflammation. Inflammation is a key driver of pain and tissue damage in knee osteoarthritis. Red light therapy has been proven to reduce inflammation, which contributes to a reduction in pain and an overall improvement in joint function.
Moreover, red light therapy’s ability to stimulate cellular energy production has been extensively studied. Mitochondria, often referred to as the cell’s powerhouse, play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration. Red light therapy enhances mitochondrial activity, leading to increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. This surge in cellular energy promotes tissue healing, accelerates recovery, and aids in managing knee pain.
Avantir Wellness takes immense pride in being the exclusive destination in Asia to introduce the remarkable NovoTHOR® Whole-Body Light Pod, a cutting-edge solution designed to alleviate pain and enhance overall well-being using the power of red and near-infrared light therapy.
This whole-body red light therapy bed offers a comprehensive approach to pain management, muscle relaxation, and improved blood circulation throughout the body. In just under 20 minutes, you can enjoy a holistic treatment that targets the entire body from head to toe, providing relief and revitalisation.
Renowned for its ability to accelerate recovery, reduce fatigue, and optimise performance, NovoTHOR has seamlessly integrated into the routines of athletes, enabling them to achieve new levels of excellence in their endeavours.
Grace Young, a former Singapore National Bowler, has found solace in NovoTHOR’s healing embrace. After a few sessions, her chronic knee pain subsided significantly, allowing her to maintain her active lifestyle. With consistent, weekly sessions, she experienced heightened energy levels and expedited healing.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the potential benefits of red light therapy, we extend an invitation to our centre at 451 Joo Chiat Rd, #02-13 Katong Point, Singapore, 427664. Our dedicated wellness consultants are eager to guide you on this transformative journey.
To reserve your session for the life-changing NovoTHOR® Whole-Body Light Pod experience, reach out to us via email at team@avantirwellness.com or WhatsApp at (+65) 8852 0279.
