Dealing with knee muscle pain can be frustrating and debilitating. Finding the right treatment for your knee pain is crucial to getting back on your feet and living a pain-free life. There are several treatment options available, ranging from home remedies to medical interventions.
Mild cases often do not require medical attention, and a person can treat them at home. You may be offered counselling on the NHS if you are struggling with long-term pain. Knee pain will usually go away without further medical treatment, using only a few self-help measures. This means you can buy them over the counter, at supermarkets and pharmacies.
They’re regarded as the fire extinguisher of knee injections — they usually start working within 48 hours to reduce pain and inflammation around the knee joint. Studies show corticosteroids can effectively provide short-term relief, though some people report success over a longer period. Knee sprains are painful, and it can be scary to know something damaged your knee joint. They’re a common (and frustrating) risk for anyone who plays a sport or is physically active. The good news is that most sprained knees heal with rest and at-home treatments. Traumatic incidents like a car or sporting accident can lead to immediate knee injury and pain.
The knees are commonly affected areas, as well as the hips, elbows, and shoulders. If you have knee pain during or after physical activity that doesn’t improve with ice or rest, see your doctor. After an exam, your doctor may refer you to a sports medicine specialist. This condition occurs due to inflammation in a tissue in the knee called a bursa. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that prevent muscles, tendons, and bones from rubbing together. Your healthcare provider might suggest medications to relieve the knee pain and any other symptoms you’re experiencing.
Home Remedies
Instead, protect the area with a plastic bag, as this will stop it getting wet. Doing this might increase bleeding under the skin and could make the problem worse. Pain is usually felt when going up stairs, running, squatting, cycling, or sitting with flexed knees. The lateral meniscus is on the outer side of the knee.
If you are experiencing mild knee muscle pain, there are several home remedies that you can try to alleviate the discomfort:
The pain might feel worse at the end of the day, or when you move your knee, and it might improve when you rest. You might have some stiffness in the morning, but this won’t usually last more than half an hour. If you have osteoarthritis of the knee, you might feel that your knee is painful and stiff at times. If a swollen knee is very hot and painful, and if there are other general symptoms of feeling unwell, this is a time to get urgent medical help. The knee could be infected, and serious infection can be dangerous. If the symptoms are persistent, involve other joints, and there are other symptoms such as morning stiffness, it could be rheumatoid arthritis.
- Rest: Giving your knee time to heal is essential in relieving muscle pain.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Compression: Using a bandage or brace can provide support and stability to your knee.
- Elevation: Elevating your leg can help reduce swelling and promote healing.
The pain involves more general stiffness that is typically worse in the early morning. Knee pain with these symptoms needs the attention of a doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of long-term knee pain.
Medical Interventions
If home remedies do not provide relief or if you have severe knee muscle pain, it may be necessary to seek medical treatment. Some common medical interventions for knee muscle pain include:
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can develop a customized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve flexibility.
- Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription medication may be prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged muscles or ligaments in the knee.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to recover from knee muscle pain?
A: The recovery time for knee muscle pain varies depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment method used. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and give your knee adequate time to heal.
Q: Can knee muscle pain be prevented?
A: Taking precautions such as warming up before exercising, using proper form during physical activities, and wearing supportive footwear can help prevent knee muscle pain. Strengthening the muscles around the knee through regular exercise can also reduce the risk of injury.
