Chronic knee pain is often caused by knee osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear arthritis of the knee.
Aging is a big risk factor of this disease, but young people can get it too.
The risk is also higher in overweight and obese people, and people who have jobs requiring high levels of joint stress.
The most common symptoms of the disease included knee pain that become stronger during physical activity and lighter during rest.
As pain may make it hard to exercise, some patients experience muscle loss. The pain can also affect social functions and cause mental and emotional problems.
Chronic knee pain has become a major health condition and is more prevalent now.
Traditionally, the diagnosis of disease is done by medical imaging. The treatments include exercise, efforts to decrease joint stress, support groups and pain medications. The treatments try to address the multiple aspects of pain.
However, scientists have found that more than 80% of people with chronic knee pain don’t get adequate treatment and conservative care.
The problem of this is that many patients undergo expensive knee surgeries that are not necessary.
In a new study conducted by Stanford University and Hinge Health in San Francisco, researchers checked how a digital care program can help patients with chronic knee pain.
A digital care program includes multiple components that allow for more cost-effective care. The remote sensing can also help monitor patient and keep them on the program.
In the study, the researchers developed their digital care program called the Hinge Health DCP.
It consists of recommended non-pharmacological care for chronic knee pain, and it includes sensor-guided exercise therapy, which could improve muscle strengthening and stretching.
Its provides education information, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychosocial support through teams and personal health coaches. It also helped improve weight loss and activity tracking.
A total of 162 patients participated in the study. The program was remotely delivered, home-based 12-week intervention.
The researchers tested the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome.
They found that compared to a control group who did not receive the Hinge Health DCP but a more traditional care program, people on the Hinge Health DCP felt less knee pain and had better physical functions.
These patients also were less interested in choosing surgery to treat their disease. They also understood their condition and treatment options better.
The researchers estimated that the Hinge Health DCP could bring cost saving on surgery for about $4300 over 1 year and $7900 over 5 years.
Based on the results, the researchers believe that a comprehensive 12-week digital care program can help people with chronic knee pain.
The program can help reduce pain, improve physical function, reduce surgery risk, and increase patient’s knowledge.
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