When you’re hurt, substances in your body that cause inflammation invade your knee to help with healing. But if the injury and the inflammation it causes don’t go away, the inflammation becomes long-lasting, or chronic. 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. The evidence for this treatment is still lacking; however, it appears to provide short-term pain relief for people with chronic knee osteoarthritis.
You can treat many symptoms and causes of knee arthritis at home. But some symptoms and causes will require you to get in touch with your healthcare provider. Make sure you talk to your healthcare provider before you start a yoga program to manage knee arthritis to determine what types of yoga poses might be safe for you to do. Topical treatments like pain relief creams and essential oils are additional options for helping you manage knee arthritis at home. While supplements have few severe side effects attached to them, it is still possible to experience these.
Dealing with **knee pain** can be debilitating and frustrating. However, there are several **treatments** that can help alleviate the discomfort without leaving the comfort of your home. Here are some effective **home remedies** to manage knee pain:
With the right treatment, you can get the relief you need to better manage your symptoms and stay active. Ask your doctor about best options for exercise and medication. It is also beneficial to discuss whether a weight loss program is right for you.
Avoid jarring exercises such as running, jumping, and kickboxing. Also avoid doing exercises such as lunges and deep squats that put a lot of stress on your knees. These can worsen pain and, if not done correctly, cause injury. For the first 48 to 72 hours after a knee injury, use a cold pack to ease swelling and numb the pain.
Tendinitis is a type of overuse injury that results in inflammation of the tendons, which connect between your muscles and bones. The knees are commonly affected areas, as well as the hips, elbows, and shoulders. While there are more than 100 types of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the one that most often affects the knee.
This type of surgery may help stop or slow the progress of joint damage. In this procedure, the surgeon will cut and reshape the bone. This will take pressure off the injured part and correct the alignment of the bones.
In addition, NSAIDs should be used for short-term treatment only, as they have not been found to be effective for managing chronic knee pain. People sometimes assume that knee pain is just a part of getting older or an unavoidable side effect of their jobs or activities. You might feel pain every once in a while, but don’t ignore it if it’s been more than a few days in a row since you’ve been pain-free. Physical activities, exercise, playing sports and doing physical work can all stress your knee joint.
Rest and Ice
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce knee pain is to rest and apply ice to the affected area. **Resting** allows the knee to recover from any strain or injury, while **icing** helps to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Be sure to elevate your leg while applying ice for maximum effectiveness.
Compression and Elevation
Using a **compression** bandage around the knee can help reduce swelling and provide support. Additionally, elevating your leg above heart level can help improve blood flow and reduce pressure on the knee joint. This combination can effectively relieve knee pain.
Exercise and Stretching
Although it may seem counterintuitive, gentle **exercise** and **stretching** can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility. Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling can be beneficial. Make sure to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine.
Over-the-counter Medications
If the pain persists, you can also consider taking **over-the-counter** medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage the discomfort. These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with knee pain. However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a doctor if the pain continues.
By incorporating these **home treatments** into your routine, you can effectively manage knee pain and improve your overall quality of life. Remember to listen to your body and seek medical attention if the pain persists or worsens. With proper care and treatment, you can find relief from knee pain and continue to stay active and healthy.
