A knee should be checked by a doctor if there is considerable pain, deep cuts, swelling, or the person is unable to use their leg. PRICE, described above, should lead to a reduction in pain and improved movement within days, and a gradual improvement over the weeks to follow. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to involve swelling of the knee. Sore joints will tend to be red, tender, warm, and swollen. The knee bends and straightens smoothly because of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the healthy joint.
The other part is on the inside part of the knee, you know, and that’s a common area that there’s cartilage tears,” he explained. Similar to PRP injections, injections of placental tissue matrix have been shown to help heal damaged cartilage cells and delay changes to the cartilage in osteoarthritis. It may take up to four weeks to notice any significant improvement, and the effects can vary from two to six months. Hyaluronic acid injections may be repeated about once every six months.
Orthotics are supports or braces that can help improve joint function. Knee pain is no joke, but here experts offer tips on how to find relief. Ibuprofen or Motrin are fine, you know, sometimes depending on your other medical conditions,” advised Bicos.
You might need surgery to repair a damaged ligament, bone fracture or if you have severe arthritis. A corticosteroid injection involves delivering this anti-inflammatory drug directly to the knee. “I tell my patients the pain relief can last anywhere from a week to a year,” says Dr. Day. One cautionary note with corticosteroids is the potential to increase blood sugar, which is a concern for people with uncontrolled diabetes. While you can take pain-relieving drugs for knee osteoarthritis, they should be used cautiously and only as one part of a more comprehensive approach. “Each person is unique, so we have to formulate an individualized treatment plan,” says sports medicine specialist Carly Day, MD.
Make sure to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking DMARD medication. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are specifically prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic and autoimmune conditions. DMARDs decrease inflammation throughout the body by altering the immune system response. A local anesthetic, most commonly lidocaine, can be injected into the knee. Lidocaine has numbing and anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce the intensity of pain signals.
OA of the knee happens when the cartilage — the cushion between the knee joints — breaks down. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve pain and to treat the conditions causing your knee pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Lidocaine patches may be prescribed by your healthcare provider to help alleviate your knee pain. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that helps to relieve pain by blocking nerves from transmitting pain signals.
However, stopping all movement is not advisable, as this can lead to stiffness and, in time, muscle weakness. Experts urge people with OA of the knee to lose weight if they have overweight or obesity. A doctor or dietitian can help decide how much weight a person needs to lose. Extra weight on your body increases inflammation throughout the body and the knees are affected. Home remedies can also help with many of the long-term problems with knee pain. Many short-term knee problems do not need any help from doctors and people can often help with their own recovery.
Knee pain can be a debilitating condition that affects people of all ages. Whether it’s due to arthritis, injury, or overuse, finding relief is essential for maintaining quality of life. One of the most common ways to manage knee pain is through medication. Here are some of the best medications for knee pain relief:
1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen are commonly used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the knee. They work by blocking enzymes that produce prostaglandins, which cause pain and swelling.
Benefits of NSAIDs:
- Effective at reducing both pain and inflammation
- Available over-the-counter or by prescription
- Can be taken on an as-needed basis
2. Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is another common pain reliever that can be effective for mild to moderate knee pain. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation but can still provide relief from discomfort.
Benefits of Acetaminophen:
- Gentler on the stomach than NSAIDs
- Safe for long-term use when taken as directed
- Available over-the-counter
3. Topical Creams and Gels
In addition to oral medications, topical creams and gels can be applied directly to the skin over the painful knee. These products often contain ingredients like capsaicin or menthol, which create a warming or cooling sensation that can help alleviate pain.
Benefits of Topical Treatments:
- No systemic side effects
- Convenient and easy to apply
- Can be used in conjunction with oral medications
When considering medication for knee pain relief, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best option for your specific needs. Combination therapies, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications may also play a role in managing knee pain effectively.
