Dealing with knee pain can be a major hindrance to everyday activities. Whether it’s due to injury, arthritis, or overuse, finding the right knee pain medicine can make a world of difference in managing your discomfort.
Types of Knee Pain Medicine
There are several options available when it comes to treating knee pain:
Arthritis of the knee can get worse with time and stress on the joint. Try treatments like medications and physical therapy to ease symptoms and possibly slow down the progress of the disease. OA of the knee happens when the cartilage — the cushion between the knee joints — breaks down. Opioid pain relievers are discouraged for long-term treatment of chronic knee pain. “The milder narcotic tramadol might be appropriate for occasional use in some people,” says Dr. Day.
Botox injections are also not recommended by the American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation guidelines due to the small number of clinical trials performed and inconclusive results. More research is needed to determine the clinical efficacy of using Botox injections for knee osteoarthritis. You may experience decreased pain and improved use of your knee within two to six weeks after receiving prolotherapy injections, with effects lasting up to one year. The evidence for the effects of cortisone shots in treating knee osteoarthritis is mixed. 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.
- Over-the-counter medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Prescription medications: Stronger pain relievers or corticosteroid injections may be necessary for more severe cases of knee pain.
- Topical creams: Ointments containing menthol or capsaicin can provide localized relief for sore knees.
Some people who got injections of it into their knee were able to move easier and hurt less for as long as 6 months. It may take up to four weeks to notice any significant improvement, and the lasting effects can vary from two to six months. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause and help you come up with a treatment plan to alleviate pain and other possible symptoms.
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. Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance that occurs naturally in the synovial fluid within each joint capsule that surrounds all joints.
FAQs About Knee Pain Medicine
Q: Is it safe to take over-the-counter medications for knee pain?
A: While over-the-counter medications can be effective for mild to moderate knee pain, it’s important to follow dosing instructions and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Q: How long should I use topical creams for knee pain?
They are also meant to provide short-term relief, however, and should not be taken to manage chronic knee concerns. This class of medications can have significant side effects, including stomach pain and increased risk of bleeding. Because of this, they should be taken at the lowest possible dose that is still effective. Hyaluronic acid is similar to the thick fluid that’s supposed to lubricate your joint.
A: Topical creams can be used as needed for temporary relief, but it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent knee pain.
By exploring different types of knee pain medicine and consulting with your healthcare provider, you can find the right solution to manage your discomfort and improve your quality of life.
