**Knee pain** is a common issue that many people face at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions such as arthritis. **Treatment** for knee pain will vary depending on the cause and severity of the pain.
Last, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been utilized more recently to treat knee osteoarthritis and chronic patellar tendonitis. The knee joint’s main function is to bend, straighten, and bear the weight of your body (together with your ankles and hips). To do all of these things and support your body while doing so, the knee relies on several structures. They include bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Arthritis of the knee can decrease your quality of life. The good news is that treatments can lessen the severity of your symptoms.
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Knee pain can be a temporary, short-term problem, but it can also be a chronic (long-term) issue that needs diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare provider. If the pain is a symptom of a more serious condition, such as advanced osteoarthritis or a ruptured tendon, a person may need stronger medications or even surgery. Rehabilitative therapy can also help alleviate knee pain. The type of knee pain a person has when bending their leg depends on the cause. With osteoarthritis, for example, a person may experience general stiffness. With runner’s knee, they may feel more pain when walking upstairs.
Causes of Knee Pain
Some people find relief by rubbing the affected knee with creams containing a numbing agent, such as lidocaine, or capsaicin, the substance that makes chili peppers hot. Treatments will vary, depending upon what exactly is causing your knee pain. “If you’re overweight and you want to get in shape, maybe you shouldn’t be running, because that puts a lot of extra pressure on the knees,” he says. Also, your physical condition and willpower contribute to your stay at the hospital.
One of the most common causes of **knee pain** is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage in the knee. Other common causes include ligament injuries, meniscus tears, tendonitis, and bursitis. Overuse injuries from sports or physical activities can also lead to knee pain.
According to some sources, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve arthritis and other types of pain. Study findings do not support this, although living in a pleasant climate might make pain psychologically easier. It may also provide easier opportunities to achieve a more healthy lifestyle.
Treatment Options
In addition, because corticosteroids can weaken and potentially tear a tendon, they should not be given directly into these structures to treat a strain or tendonitis. In addition to being habit-forming, other potential side effects of opioid analgesics include constipation, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, and slowed breathing. Narcotic medications are extremely addictive and must be prescribed with caution. Immediately after your knee begins to bother you, there are several steps you can take at home to help alleviate the symptoms. Remember, though, that this is just a general guideline.
**Treatment** for knee pain will depend on the underlying cause. In many cases, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy can also be beneficial for strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving flexibility.
In cases of severe **knee pain**, more invasive treatments may be necessary. This can include injections such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, which can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair damaged ligaments or cartilage.
If you are experiencing persistent knee pain, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate **treatment** plan. Ignoring knee pain can lead to further damage and chronic issues down the road. By addressing knee pain early on, you can prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.
