J Knee Surg 2019; 32(01): 001
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1669910
Special Focus Section
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Alternative Therapies for Knee Pain

James L. Cook
1   Missouri Orthopaedic Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 January 2019 (online)

Knee pain is extremely prevalent worldwide and is associated with billions of dollars in lost productivity, disability, and health care costs, not to mention its negative effects on quality of life for the millions of individuals suffering from this ubiquitous problem. Initial symptomatic treatments including over-the-counter medications, weight loss, and physical therapy, and the end-stage treatment of total knee arthroplasty are the current mainstays of therapy. While these treatments can be effective for the appropriate indications at either end of the knee pain spectrum, there is a growing need for alternative therapies that can bridge the gap for patients by providing safe and effective treatment strategies for debilitating knee pain.

The Special Focus Section of this issue provides the latest evidence for clinical application of the current primary alternative therapy options for knee pain. I am honored and grateful that the world's leading experts for each of these options were willing to take the time to provide this valuable and germane information. My hope is that this Special Focus Section provides readers with an enhanced armamentarium for comprehensive management of knee pain in their patients.