You may need surgery if you have a severe sprain or other injuries like a bone fracture (broken bone). The affected portion of your knee might feel warm, tender and swollen. You also might feel pain when you move or when you’re at rest.
Platelets and growth factors in blood fluctuate based on time of day, recent meals, hormones, exercise and other factors. As a result, the composition of PRP can change day to day, even when it’s the same doctor using blood from the same patient. Staying hydrated is important for your overall health and body function but is unlikely to relieve a swollen knee. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help with knee pain.
You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Yet for some reason, about 20% of patients with painful, visibly swollen joints consistently get no relief from multiple rounds of even the strongest of these anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has come a long way in recent years. In many cases, a battery of medications can now successfully stymy the inflammatory cells that cause swelling and pain when they infiltrate tissues around the joints.
Knee inflammation can be a painful and debilitating condition that affects many individuals. Whether it is caused by an injury, overuse, or a chronic condition like arthritis, finding effective treatment options is crucial for managing the pain and swelling associated with this condition.
Rest and Ice
Platelets release substances called growth factors that stimulate healing after an injury. When injected into the knee, platelet-rich plasma has the potential to help damaged cartilage heal, but this has not yet been proven. Also, call your care team if you have a fever or other symptoms of sickness. If your knee pain bothers your sleep or daily tasks, call a medical professional. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength in your knee and to restore range of motion. Depending upon your procedure, you may need to wear a knee brace, or use crutches or a cane for a time.
But visit a healthcare provider first so they can diagnose the injury and make sure nothing else inside your knee is damaged. Dr. Paul says when you suffer from a knee injury, it can be because the surrounding muscles aren’t strong enough to help offload forces on the knee. These exercises help improve strength to quash inside knee pain and prevent it from returning.
One of the first steps in treating knee inflammation is to rest the affected joint and apply ice to reduce swelling. **Resting** allows the body to heal and prevents further damage, while **applying ice** helps to constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation in the area. It is recommended to ice the knee for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially after physical activity.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the knee. **NSAIDs** work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider before taking these medications long-term.
Physical therapy can also be an effective treatment option for knee inflammation. A trained therapist can create a customized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. **Physical therapy** may include exercises like stretching, strengthening, and balance training to help support the knee joint and prevent further injury.
In more severe cases of knee inflammation, corticosteroid injections may be recommended by a healthcare provider. These injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain in the knee joint, providing relief for those who have not responded to other treatments. **Corticosteroid injections** should only be administered by a qualified healthcare professional and may require multiple treatments for optimal results.
Surgery may be necessary in some cases of chronic knee inflammation, especially if conservative treatments have been ineffective. Procedures like arthroscopic surgery or knee replacement can help to repair damaged tissues, remove debris, and restore function to the knee joint. **Surgery** should be considered as a last resort after other treatment options have been exhausted.
Overall, treating knee inflammation requires a multi-faceted approach that includes rest, ice, medication, physical therapy, and possibly surgery. By working closely with a healthcare provider and following a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals can find relief from the pain and swelling associated with this condition and improve their overall quality of life.
