Struggling with knee pain? Try these orthopaedic doctor-suggested joint relief products
Knee pain can make everyday moments, such as taking the stairs, playing with your kids, or going for a walk, feel like a struggle. I’ve seen my grandparents struggle too, trying countless creams, braces, and remedies that only gave temporary comfort. To understand what truly helps, I reached out to Dr Vinay Kumaraswamy, a senior orthopaedic consultant at Fortis Hospital, Bangalore, known for his expertise in joint health and conservative treatment methods.
His approach focuses on practical, non-surgical solutions that restore movement and reduce pain without overreliance on medication. These expert-backed options concentrate on three key goals: Support, Relief, and Mobility, helping you stay active without constant discomfort.
This article highlights six expert-suggested products that support pain management, stability, and recovery for different knee conditions. These are not miracle fixes, but rather complement a professional treatment plan.
Doctor’s note: “Any knee pain lasting for more than 3 weeks should not be neglected—a consultation with a knee specialist or orthopaedic doctor is strongly advised”.
5 Orthopaedic doctor–recommended products for lasting joint pain relief
A meta-analysis found that valgus knee bracing in medial knee osteoarthritis resulted in small to moderate improvements in pain and function, as reported by the National Library of Medicine.
Explore some of the best options suggested by the doctor for joint pain relief:
Immediate pain & inflammation relief (Topicals & thermal)
These provide quick comfort and ease stiffness during sudden joint pain or flare-ups. Making it a must-have for those with chronic knee conditions, it offers quick and effective management.
Heat therapy
Dr Vinay Kumaraswamy suggests that heat therapy can soothe long-term pain, muscle tightness, and stiffness, especially in cases of arthritis.
Recommended Tools by doctor: Hot water bags, microwaveable gel packs, and infrared heaters.
Key Benefit:
Increased blood flow due to heat helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to affected tissues, which may promote comfort and mobility, leading to faster pain relief and lasting comfort, as reported by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
If arthritis pain or joint stiffness makes daily movement difficult, the Beurer IL11 Infrared Lamp offers gentle yet effective comfort. Its deep-penetrating infrared heat soothes sore joints, improves flexibility, and relaxes tight muscles by enhancing blood circulation. Compact, easy to use, and drug-free, it’s an excellent at-home aid for easing chronic pain and keeping your joints more mobile and comfortable.
If you’re seeking quick comfort for joint pain or swelling, the ONYXNEO Reusable Hot and Cold Gel Pack is a smart pick. It offers dual-action therapy—use it warm to relax stiff joints or cold to reduce inflammation after activity. The flexible gel easily adapts to the knees, shoulders, or back, providing targeted relief. Durable, leak-proof, and reusable, it’s a simple home essential for everyday pain management.
Diclofenac Spray
Diclofenac spray is a topical pain relief medication that contains diclofenac diethylamine or diclofenac sodium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Dr Kumaraswamy suggests that for sudden joint, muscle or acute pain, a pain relief spray can be a quick and effective option to ease discomfort and restore mobility, making it useful for muscle or joint flare-ups. Dr Kumaraswamy quotes, “With minimal systemic side effects, Diclofenac sprays are a must-have for all with chronic knee conditions.”
Key benefit: A meta-analysis found that topical diclofenac significantly reduces pain (standardised mean difference ~0.40) and improves function in patients with osteoarthritis, as reported by the National Library of Medicine.
Volini Maxx Advanced Pain Relief Spray is specifically designed for individuals experiencing intense joint or muscle discomfort. Its extra-strength formula with Diclofenac Diethylamine targets inflammation at the source, helping ease stiffness and soreness effectively. Chosen for its rapid absorption and precise application, it provides quick, localised comfort ideal for sports injuries, arthritis flare-ups, or everyday aches that require more substantial relief.
DYNAPAR QPS Solution is a topical formula designed to relieve joint and muscle pain quickly and effectively. Enriched with Diclofenac, it penetrates deep to reduce inflammation and stiffness. Ideal for arthritis, sprains, or post-workout soreness, it works best when applied gently over the affected area two to three times a day for targeted, lasting relief.
General & specialised knee support
Designed to stabilise the knee joint, these supports range from mild compression sleeves for everyday comfort to medical-grade braces for ligament injuries or post-surgical recovery.
Knee Cap
A knee brace is worn around the knee and is designed to support and stabilise the joint, helping reduce discomfort and prevent further strain. It offers controlled movement, improves alignment, and aids recovery from minor aches, chronic pain, or post-surgical rehabilitation, allowing better mobility and confidence during daily activities.
Dr Vinay recommends a soft knee brace for individuals experiencing early arthritis or patellofemoral pain, especially when the knee feels unstable or uncomfortable during daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
Key benefit: Clinical studies have shown that soft knee braces help reduce pain and dynamic knee instability, thereby improving mobility in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, as reported in the Arthritis Care Research Journal.
Frido Active Knee Cap Support combines breathable, anti-sweat fabric with firm compression to ease joint pain and enhance stability. Crafted from premium elastic nylon and spandex, this garment adapts to your movements while providing steady support. Ideal for arthritis, sports recovery, or daily wear—it reduces stiffness, improves mobility, and helps you stay active without discomfort or slippage.
If knee pain limits your steps, the NEENCA Professional Knee Brace offers dependable support with every move. Designed with a contoured patella gel pad and dual side stabilisers, this product relieves pressure, improves alignment, and prevents strain. The breathable, compression-knit fabric ensures comfort during workouts or daily wear, making it ideal for individuals with arthritis, those recovering from injury, or those experiencing long-standing joint discomfort.
IT Band support (Targeted support for runners)
Dr Vinay Kumaraswamy says these are designed for Iliotibial Band Tendinitis, a condition that leads to outer knee pain, especially after extended running sessions.
Use Case: Ideal for runners or athletes dealing with repetitive strain, this support helps reduce friction along the IT band, stabilise movement, and ease inflammation during long-distance training or recovery. Dr Vinay quotes: “Iliotibial band tendinitis is common in long-distance runners. It typically presents with pain on the outer aspect of the knee after the first hour of running.”
The Bodyprox Patellar Tendon Support Strap provides targeted relief for knee pain resulting from running, arthritis, or repetitive strain. Crafted from soft neoprene, this device applies gentle pressure below the kneecap to reduce stress on the tendon and stabilise movement. Ideal for use during workouts, long walks, or recovery, it stays secure without slipping—helping you stay active and pain-free throughout your daily routines or sports sessions.
If outer knee pain persists after a long run or workout, the SupreGear IT Band Strap can help alleviate that strain. It gently compresses the area along your outer thigh, reducing tension on the IT band and improving comfort while you move. Adjustable and breathable, it’s a simple fix for runners or gym-goers dealing with nagging overuse pain.
When to stop self-treating?
Heat therapy, pain relief sprays, knee braces, and IT band straps can help ease stiffness and improve daily comfort—but they’re only part of the solution. As Dr Vinay Kumaraswamy advises, “Any knee pain lasting more than 3 weeks should not be neglected; consult a knee specialist or orthopaedic doctor.” Persistent pain could signal deeper issues like meniscus tears or advanced arthritis. These tools help manage symptoms, but professional care ensures a proper diagnosis and promotes long-term recovery.
(Disclaimer: The products featured in the article have been assessed after assessing user reviews and ratings. Please note these are not individually recommended by the doctor. )
- What kind of knee pain can these products help with?
They’re effective for mild arthritis, muscle stiffness, overuse injuries, and post-activity soreness. They offer support, reduce inflammation, and improve movement comfort.
- Can I use heat therapy or pain sprays on a daily basis?
Yes, for short-term relief. But if pain persists despite regular use, it’s best to consult an orthopaedic specialist.
- Will using a knee brace or support weaken my muscles?
Not if used correctly. Braces reduce stress during movement, but should be combined with gentle strengthening exercises or physiotherapy for optimal results.
- What’s the most significant sign after which I should stop self-treating?
If your pain lasts beyond three weeks, worsens with activity, or causes swelling and instability, professional medical evaluation is crucial.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
