Treatment might even slow down or stop the disease from getting worse. Try to maintain a healthy weight and avoid activities that put a lot of stress on your knees. Get treatment if you have symptoms of arthritis of the knee. But some treatments help reduce the severity of the symptoms and maybe keep the disease from getting worse.
You end up with knee pain that lasts a long time or gets worse. You can break the cycle by controlling the substances that cause inflammation and by preventing further injury to tissues in your knee. Knee osteoarthritis—a progressive loss of cartilage at the ends of knee joints—can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. And about half the estimated 15 million Americans with knee OA have a severe form of the progressive condition.
If you are experiencing knee pain, it can be a frustrating and debilitating issue that affects your daily life. Finding relief from knee pain is essential for maintaining your overall well-being and quality of life.
Over 50 million adults have arthritis, as do 300,000 children. It’s unclear how many of those people have arthritis of the knee. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Exercise Regularly
This condition is also most common in middle-aged adults. Bursitis is a type of inflammation of a bursa, which is a small sac that cushions your bones, tendons, and muscles. It can cause pain, swelling, and redness along the infected joint. 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. Side effects of hydrocortisone injections may include pain and swelling at the injection site and bruising.
One of the best ways to find relief from knee pain is to incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Strengthening the muscles around your knees can help provide support and stability, reducing strain on the joints. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, biking, and yoga can be particularly beneficial for those with knee pain.
Use Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy can also help alleviate knee pain. Applying a cold pack to the affected area can reduce inflammation and numb the pain, while using a warm compress can improve blood flow and promote healing. Alternating between hot and cold treatments can provide relief from knee pain.
A heating pad can help relieve pain while resting your knee. If you have knee pain and a high BMI, your doctor can help you set a target weight and make a plan to help you reach your goal. If a long-term health problem is causing pain in your knees, weight management might help relieve symptoms by reducing the pressure on them. Using a cane or walker as needed (and some people may benefit from this sooner than the three-month mark) can reduce the load on the affected knee, easing discomfort.
Try Over-the-Counter Medications
Knee pain is an extremely common symptom that can result from everything from a temporary injury to a chronic condition like arthritis. You can usually treat knee pain at home with rest and over-the-counter medicine. Visit a healthcare provider if you’ve experienced an injury or have knee pain for more than a few days in a row. Less commonly utilized, CAM approaches are not considered to be the first line of defense when treating knee pain.
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knees. These medications can be effective for temporary relief from knee pain, but it is important to follow the recommended dosage and guidelines provided by your healthcare provider.
Consider Physical Therapy
If your knee pain is persistent and severe, consider seeking help from a physical therapist. A trained professional can assess your condition, develop a personalized treatment plan, and guide you through exercises and techniques to strengthen your knees and reduce pain.
Invest in Supportive Footwear
The type of footwear you wear can make a significant difference in alleviating knee pain. Investing in supportive shoes with cushioning and proper arch support can help reduce stress on your knees and improve your overall comfort while walking or standing.
Conclusion
Finding relief from knee pain is crucial for maintaining your mobility and quality of life. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can effectively manage and reduce knee pain, allowing you to enjoy an active and pain-free lifestyle.
