Dealing with knee pain can be incredibly challenging and affect one’s quality of life. In the United Kingdom, there are various options available for individuals seeking relief from knee pain. Whether you’re looking for natural remedies or medical interventions, it’s important to explore all your options to find the best solution for your specific needs.
Natural Remedies
For those looking for non-invasive solutions to manage knee pain, there are several natural remedies that may provide relief:
You might be asking ‘what causes knee pain’ or ‘when should I see a doctor about my knee pain? ’ Here is all you may ever want to know about knee pain and what you can do about it. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve pain and to treat the conditions causing your knee pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Surgery or injections into the knee are not recommended as a treatment for most types of knee pain.
- Exercise: Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and reduce pain.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate pressure on the knees and reduce pain.
- Hot and Cold Therapy: Alternating between hot and cold packs can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
- Herbal Supplements: Some people find relief from knee pain by taking supplements like turmeric or ginger, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
During this time you should protect it from sunlight as it will burn easily. Avoid the temptation to scratch the area until it is fully healed. You may wash around your wound with soap and water unless otherwise advised.
Most patients are instructed not to drive for six weeks after their surgery, but your consultant will advise you on this. Make sure you can reach and use the pedals without discomfort. Try out all controls and go through the emergency stop procedure. Start with short journeys and when you do a long trip stop regularly to get out and stand up and stretch. Please be aware that if you drive soon after your surgery and have an accident, insurers may consider you liable for damage.
Runner’s Knee is a condition that can affect anyone who partakes in activities that require a lot of bending of the knee, such as running, walking, jumping or cycling. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. A doctor will suggest treatment based on the condition that’s causing your pain. You might also have the option of paying to see a physiotherapist privately.
Medical Interventions
If you are on any other medications, check with your doctor that it’s safe for you to take these drugs. The cause of the pain isn’t always clear; although it may be the result of knee injuries you’ve had in the past, being overweight, or your knee cap(s) being slightly out of place. Understanding the probable cause of your knee pain can help you know whether you need to give your knees a rest, or see your GP. If these medicines don’t work, your GP may suggest NSAID tablets as well as, or instead of, creams and gels. Your doctor will usually prescribe another medicine to take alongside NSAID tablets to protect your stomach and reduce the risk of side-effects. You can access a range of treatments on a pay as you go basis, including physiotherapy.
If natural remedies aren’t providing sufficient relief, there are medical interventions available in the UK to address knee pain:
The specific injury or underlying condition you’re trying to improve also plays a significant role. When doing exercise you should listen to your pain levels, especially in the early stages. You may find that these exercises increase your symptoms slightly in the beginning. However, they should get easier over time and, with regular practice, can help to improve movement in the knee. The term ‘shared decision-making’ means that health professionals involve patients fully in decisions about their care. This is mainly to do with choosing treatments, but can also cover tests, investigations, support packages and self-care options.
- Physical Therapy: Working with a physiotherapist can help improve flexibility and strength in the knee, reducing pain.
- Pain Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation in the knee joint.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged cartilage or ligaments in the knee.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about knee pain relief in the UK:
- How long does it take for natural remedies to provide relief?
- Are there any side effects to medical interventions for knee pain?
Natural remedies may take time to show results. Consistency is key, so stick to your regimen and give it time to work.
Some medications or treatments may have side effects. It’s essential to discuss these with your healthcare provider before starting any treatment.
