Knee Arthritis and Pain Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America

Arthritis of any kind can cause serious joint pain. Untreated arthritis can lead to long-term joint damage and limited mobility. Knee arthritis is particularly debilitating. Consider how vital your knees are to standing, walking, and moving. When you’re plagued by intense pain and stiffness with every step, your mobility and quality of life inevitably declines.

Many individuals find that weight loss helps relieve some of the pressure on their knee joints, which reduces arthritis pain. Others find over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can provide adequate pain relief for a period of time.

Unfortunately, arthritis is a progressive disease. For people with chronic arthritis, it may be helpful to explore additional treatment options.

Pain Treatment Centers of America offers a number of treatments for knee osteoarthritis at each of our twelve Arkansas pain clinics.

Learn more about our treatments below.

Physical Therapy

Regular exercise is a huge part of maintaining joint function and range of motion. Unfortunately, many people with knee arthritis avoid exercising out of fear that it will further damage their joints and increase their pain. In reality, lack of exercise causes the muscles in their legs to weaken, which actually does make arthritis pain worse.

For instance, many people with knee arthritis have weakened quadriceps muscles .

The quadriceps play a key role in extending the knee during movement, so individuals with weak quads often have less range of motion. Having weak quads can also put more stress on the meniscus and knee cartilage during movement.

Physical therapy can help target and strengthen the quadriceps muscles. This can improve balance and provide more protection for your knees during motion.

A physical therapist can also improve knee and joint alignment and recommend exercises that are tailored to your unique knee function. Many arthritis sufferers find that range of motion and stiffness improve with regular physical therapy.

Pain Treatment Centers of America specializes in physical therapy to relieve knee pain from arthritis. Contact our offices today to learn more: (844) 215-0731 .

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are the most common treatment option for arthritis pain.

These over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) reduce the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that contribute to fever, pain and inflammation.

NSAIDs may not work for advanced or chronic arthritis pain. They are also not recommended for individuals with stomach ulcers.

Genicular Nerve Ablation

There are various nerves that feed into the knee joint, including the tibial, saphenous and peroneal nerves. A genicular nerve ablation targets the three regions of the knee and blocks these nerves. This prevents pain signals from reaching the knee.

Genicular nerve ablation can be used to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the knee joint) or chronic knee pain related to injury or tendonitis.

Genicular nerve ablation can also help provide pain relief for people suffering from failed total or partial knee replacement.

Pain Treatment Centers of America specializes in genicular nerve block and genicular nerve ablation to relieve knee pain.

Pain Awareness Month

Since 2001, September has been designated as Pain Awareness Month in the United States, where chronic pain affects an estimated 50 million people . Many people suffering from chronic pain struggle to find effective pain management options. Others lack the resources and information necessary to find effective treatments for their pain.

Pain Treatment Centers of America is dedicated to raising awareness around pain and its effects on individuals and families. More importantly, we are dedicated to innovation in pain management and treatments for a range of pain conditions and symptoms.

Contact our offices today to learn more about knee arthritis pain relief in Arkansas: (844) 215-0731 .

When Pain Isn’t Structural: Understanding Neuropathic Pain

June 26, 2026
Pain is often associated with injury, arthritis, or another structural problem in the body. However, not all pain comes from damaged bones, joints, muscles, or tissues. Sometimes, the nervous system itself causes discomfort. This pain is called neuropathic pain and can greatly affect quality of life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients determine the source of their symptoms and develop personalized plans to manage chronic nerve pain effectively. What Is Neuropathic Pain? Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged, irritated, or dysfunctional. Unlike pain from injury or inflammation, it results from abnormal signaling within the nervous system. These disrupted signals cause the brain to sense pain even without ongoing tissue damage. Patients commonly describe neuropathic pain as burning, tingling, shooting, electric-like, or stabbing. Some may experience numbness, elevated sensitivity to touch, or pain that seems disproportionate to any physical findings. Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain can develop from a variety of conditions that affect the nerves or nervous system. Some common causes include: Diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) Herniated discs are causing nerve compression Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injuries Stroke-related nerve damage Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy Symptoms can vary widely, so proper evaluation is key for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. Neuropathic pain is often challenging to identify because imaging exams like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may not always reveal the source of the problem. Patients may experience significant pain despite having slight structural abnormalities. A complete evaluation includes medical history, physical exam, neurological assessment, and diagnostic tests when needed. Identifying nerve involvement is critical because neuropathic pain often responds differently to treatment than musculoskeletal pain. Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Successful treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause when possible while reducing symptoms and improving function. Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options may include: Medication management designed specifically for nerve pain Nerve block injections Physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal cord stimulation Lifestyle alterations Interventional pain management procedures Many benefit from an approach that combines several therapies for the best outcomes. When to Seek Professional Care Persistent burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. If you have ongoing pain not connected to a structural injury, it may be time to explore if neuropathic pain is the cause. An extensive evaluation can determine the source of your symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. Personalized Neuropathic Pain Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that chronic pain is complex and every patient’s experience is unique. Our team uses sophisticated diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to identify nerve-related pain and create individualized care plans to improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent nerve pain symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, we can develop a treatment plan designed to help you regain control of your daily activities and move toward lasting relief.
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Understanding Medications & Pharmacologic Options for Pain Management

By Bob Berendsen • February 1, 2026
Chronic or acute pain has the potential to significantly impact your daily life, making even everyday tasks a hassle. Pain Treatment Centers of America believes that knowing your medication options is a crucial step in building an appropriate, personal pain management strategy. While many treatment options are available, pharmacologic therapy has been the peak of comprehensive care. Types of Medications Used in Pain Management Pain medications are not universalized. The selection of the right prescription depends on the pain type, severity, and medical history. Common categories include: 1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, tend to be the first line of defense for low levels of pain. They reduce swelling and provide comfort associated with conditions like arthritis, back pain, or joint injuries. In some patients, however, they can affect the stomach or kidneys. Therefore, careful studying and dosing guidance from a professional is key. 2. Acetaminophen Acetaminophen is mostly for general pain reduction and is sometimes combined with other treatments. Unlike NSAIDs, it doesn’t target swelling. Nonetheless, it can be effective for pain relief and daily improvement. 3. Muscle Relaxants For pain caused by muscle spasms or tension, muscle relaxants can provide relief. These medications work by calming overactive muscles and are usually prescribed for short-term use to prevent dependency or side effects. 4. Antidepressants and Anti-Seizure Medications Certain antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs can treat neuropathic (nerve) pain. They work by altering how the nervous system processes signals of pain throughout your body. Even if you do not experience depression or seizures, these medications assist with pain control. 5. Opioids Opioids are strong pain-relieving medications chosen for more potent pain when other options aren’t doing the trick. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we practice strict guidelines to minimize risks, evaluate patient progress, and ensure healthy, responsible use. A combination of Opioids can be introduced to other treatments as part of a multimodal pain management plan. Personalized Pain Management The effectiveness of medications is best when combined with other therapies; physical therapy, interventional procedures, and lifestyle changes. We work closely with each patient to structure a plan that focuses on the root cause of pain, not just the signs. Every treatment plan is carefully engineered, giving thought to variables like medical history, existing conditions, and possible side effects. Patients are taught how to use the medication safely, dosing schedules, and expectations of each prescription. Take the Next Step Understanding your medication options enables you to take charge of your pain and improve your life overall. If you’re having issues with chronic or acute pain, our professionals at Pain Treatment Centers of America will gladly help. We mix the most up-to-date pharmacologic therapies with personalized care to provide comfort, improve function, and enhance your total well-being. Schedule a consultation today to learn which pain management medications are a good fit.
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