Dealing with knee soreness can be frustrating and debilitating, impacting your daily activities and overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options available to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Then you might be referred to a doctor who treats other joint conditions, called a rheumatologist. A healthcare provider will diagnose a sprained knee with a physical exam. They’ll check your range of motion (they might compare it to your other, uninjured knee). A person can also treat knee pain at home by resting, raising the knee, and applying ice. A person may take OTC medication for mild to moderate pain, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Cardio exercises strengthen the muscles of the heart, but not the joints. It is weight training mixed with keeping your muscles limber. Cardio is important for keeping your weight stable and you feeling stronger overall. For cardio, some good choices include walking, swimming, water aerobics, stationary cycling, and elliptical machines. Tai chi may also help ease stiffness and improve balance.
Your provider might have you perform a few clinical tests during your physical exam. These tests are physical movements or positions that can help diagnose or rule out other kinds of injuries. Your provider can administer these tests without any special equipment. They’ll tell you to lie down, sit or stand in a specific position and will then move your knee. They connect your thigh bones (femur) to your shin bones (tibia).
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the Arthritis Foundation (AF) urge people to exercise to manage OA of the knee. Walking, cycling, swimming, tai chi, and yoga may all be beneficial. The treatment for knee pain will depend, to some extent, on the cause of the problem. However, the following simple remedies can help with many forms of knee pain. During the physical exam, your doctor will check your affected joint for tenderness, swelling, redness and flexibility. A rare but limb threatening injury, knee dislocation typically requires emergency assessment and treatment.
If you’re overweight, losing weight reduces the stress on your knee. The device contains a light and a small camera, which transmits an enlarged image of the inside of your knee onto a monitor. If necessary, surgical instruments can be inserted through the arthroscope or through additional small incisions in your knee to trim or repair the tear.
Your surgeon will make a few small incisions (cuts) in the skin around your knee then insert a special tool called an arthroscope into your knee joint. The arthroscope includes a camera and a light that lets your surgeon see and repair damage inside your knee. Cartilage, the cushioning between bones, deteriorates throughout life. It can erode more quickly in some people due to injury or genetics. As cartilage thins, your bones begin to rub together, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.
Lifestyle changes, such as wearing protective kneepads and going to physical therapy, can help you manage pain and experience fewer symptoms. If joint pain becomes severe, and other therapies don’t help, a doctor may recommend surgery. There are various surgical options for treating OA of the knee. Oral ginger supplements are thought to have anti-inflammatory biological properties that make them potentially useful in treating knee pain.
Rest and Ice
One of the first steps in treating knee soreness is to rest the affected knee and apply ice to reduce swelling and inflammation. Resting the knee allows the body to heal and recover, while icing helps to numb the pain and decrease swelling.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another valuable treatment option for knee soreness. A physical therapist can create a customized exercise program to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, improve flexibility, and address any imbalances that may be contributing to the soreness.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with knee soreness. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.
Compression and Elevation
Using a compression bandage to wrap the knee can help reduce swelling and provide support. Elevating the leg above heart level when resting can also help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the affected knee.
Surgery
In severe cases where conservative treatments have not been effective, surgery may be necessary to address underlying issues causing knee soreness, such as meniscus tears or ligament damage. It’s important to discuss all treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
Overall, managing knee soreness requires a comprehensive approach that may include a combination of rest, ice, physical therapy, medication, compression, elevation, and in some cases, surgery. By working closely with healthcare professionals and following a personalized treatment plan, individuals can effectively manage knee soreness and improve their overall quality of life.
