Some people also feel pain at different parts of the day. You could feel more pain first thing in the morning when you wake up. It’s also common to feel knee pain at night, especially if you were physically active earlier that day.
If you have a job, it’s important to continue working if you can. Speak to your employer about any practical help they can offer. This might include home working, different hours, adjustments to your workplace or something else.
If you are experiencing chronic knee pain, there are several treatment options available to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of your knee pain before starting any treatment.
All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Sprains and strains happen when tissues in the knee become stretched by unusual or increased activity, or an awkward twist or trip. Recent approval of the use of cannabidiol (CBD), also known as medical marijuana, has provoked interest in it as a solution to a range of health problems.
If your pain doesn’t go away, your doctor may suggest treatments to tackle the underlying cause of your knee pain. This may involve trying to make your hip muscles stronger, or help with foot problems, each of which can affect knee pain. Carrying extra body weight makes it more likely that you will get joint pain in the first place. If you have joint pain already, being overweight can make it worse. Losing even a small amount of weight can make a big difference to knee pain. As you age, getting knee pain may become more common.
“There’s evidence to show that even a simple compression sleeve can decrease pain,” says Dr. Day. These are a good way to start because you can get one at the drugstore. The knee is a vulnerable joint that bears a great deal of stress from everyday activities, such as lifting and kneeling, and from high-impact activities, such as jogging and aerobics. Although there is no cure for knee arthritis, there are steps you can take that might ease your symptoms and potentially slow the progression of your disease. Keep doing it for 2 to 3 days or until the pain is gone.
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. It should be wrapped in a cloth and applied for 20 minutes several times on the first day of injury. Never put ice directly the skin, as this can lead to further damage. A study published in 2008 suggested that massaging with an oil containing ginger and orange improved pain and function in knees with moderate to severe pain due to osteoarthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and other medications can help with knee pain caused by arthritis.
They’re also responsible for the sensations you feel in your hips, leg, and ankle sensation. Pain from a deeper injury (called referred pain) can be passed along this nerve and felt on the surface. That means knee pain could arise from the knee itself or happen because of issues with your hip, ankle, or lower back. All of the sources of knee pain discussed below arise from the knee joint itself. The knee joint’s main function is to bend, straighten, and bear the weight of your body (together with your ankles and hips).
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for knee pain. A physical therapist can help you strengthen the muscles around your knee, improve flexibility, and correct any imbalances that may be contributing to your pain. They can also teach you proper body mechanics to prevent further injury.
Medication
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee. In some cases, prescription medication may be necessary to manage more severe pain.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from knee pain by reducing inflammation in the joint. Hyaluronic acid injections may also be used to help lubricate the joint and reduce pain.
Surgery
If conservative treatments have not provided relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. Procedures such as arthroscopic surgery, knee replacement, or ligament repair can help address underlying issues causing knee pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take for physical therapy to relieve knee pain?
- What are the potential side effects of corticosteroid injections?
- Is surgery the only option for chronic knee pain?
By exploring these various treatment options with your healthcare provider, you can find a solution that best fits your needs and helps you manage your knee pain effectively. Remember to follow your treatment plan closely and stay proactive in your rehabilitation process.
