Researchers say the shots promote healing and lessen inflammation, which should reduce pain and swelling. After weight loss, exercise and anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids are usually the next option for treating knee pain. Corticosteroid shots are a combination of the steroid cortisone and a numbing agent that is injected into the knee for fast, temporary relief during a flare-up. You’ll notice a lot of inflammation and swelling with a meniscus tear, which is diagnosed with an X-ray or MRI. Range of motion naturally decreases as we get older, especially after age 55.
The evidence shows that people who are least active have more arthritis pain than people who do some form of exercise. Choose lower-impact activities, such as bicycling, swimming or exercising in a pool. In addition to physical therapy, it’s critical to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine. As this exercise gradually becomes easier, a person can increase the resistance by adding an ankle weight.
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. Will physical activity reduce or increase your arthritis pain? Get tips on exercise and other common concerns when coping with arthritis symptoms and arthritis pain. Any knee pain that doesn’t improve despite home remedies and rest ought to be examined by a medical professional. These could be signs of a serious underlying cause, such as arthritis, an infection, or another related condition.
Knee pain can be a debilitating condition that affects people of all ages. Whether it’s caused by injury, arthritis, or overuse, finding relief is essential for maintaining quality of life. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to ease knee pain and improve mobility.
People with joint pain can benefit from activities such as water aerobics, as this puts little strain on the knees. Depending on the cause of your problem, he or she may refer you to a doctor specializing in joint diseases (rheumatologist), joint surgery (orthopedic surgeon) or sports medicine. This form of traditional Chinese medicine, which involves inserting fine needles at certain points on the body, is widely used to relieve many types of pain and may help knee pain.
Many studies have found that this can help prevent pain—and some research suggests that each pound of weight lost reduces stress on the knee fourfold with each step taken. For a possibly longer lasting effect, an injection of hyaluronic acid (also called viscosupplementation) can be tried. “Hyaluronic acid is a substance that healthy joints have a lot of and arthritic knees don’t,” says Dr. Day. It takes longer to start working than a corticosteroid injection, but the effect often lasts six months to a year.
This condition is also most common in middle-aged adults. When there are problems that affect joints, or the areas where bones meet together, you may experience pain along with other symptoms like swelling and stiffness. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a general term that refers to pain arising between the kneecap and the underlying thighbone. Knee arthroscopy is the most common type of knee surgery.
Exercise Regularly
One of the best ways to alleviate knee pain is through regular exercise. **Low-impact activities** such as swimming, cycling, and yoga can help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, providing support and reducing stress on the area. **Strengthening exercises**, in particular, can help improve stability and reduce pain.
Use Hot and Cold Therapy
Applying **hot and cold therapy** to the affected knee can also provide relief. **Ice packs** can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, while **heat packs** can increase blood flow and relax tight muscles. Alternating between the two can help manage pain and swelling effectively.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight can put added pressure on the knees, exacerbating pain and discomfort. By **maintaining a healthy weight** through proper diet and exercise, individuals can reduce strain on the knee joint and improve overall function. Losing even a small amount of weight can make a significant difference in managing knee pain.
