Over-the-counter medications — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — may help ease knee pain. This form of traditional Chinese medicine, which involves inserting fine needles at certain points on the body, is widely used to relieve many types of pain and may help knee pain. When a person injures their quadriceps, they may have small tears in the tendon. In severe cases, a person may experience a complete tear of the tendon. The quadriceps tendon is above the knee cap and connects the quadriceps muscles to the top of the knee. Patellar tendinopathy, or jumper’s knee, happens when the patellar tendon develops small tears.
If you are suffering from knee pain, finding effective pain relief is crucial to improving your quality of life. There are several methods that can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing in the affected area.
In addition, supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in the same way that medications are, and you can’t be sure that what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Two to add to your routine are the side-leg raise, and the single-leg lift. Do this workout at least two days a week to start and ideally work up to every other day. By Tim Petrie, DPT, OCSPetrie is a board-certified orthopedic specialist who has practiced as a physical therapist for more than a decade. In addition to the home remedies described above, there are also several OTC medications that may be useful in reducing your knee symptoms.
Physical Therapy
Other signs that you need to see a doctor include a knee that swells, buckles, or locks up. Your ability to cope despite pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis often determines how much of an impact osteoarthritis will have on your life. Talk to your doctor if you’re feeling frustrated, because he or she may have ideas to help you cope or be able to refer you to someone who can help. 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.
Physical therapy can be an excellent way to manage knee pain. A skilled physical therapist can create a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint. These exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce pain over time.
The MCL on the inside of the knee keeps it from bending too far in. “An ACL or MCL injury will give you more instability than pain in the long run,” says Dr. Tjong. Both of these injuries can happen as a result from years of playing sports, which causes the ligaments to stretch and eventually tear.
Medication
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief from knee pain. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.
Hot and Cold Therapy
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. NSAIDs can be more effective because they both relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
It’s where your thigh bone (femur) meets your shin bone (tibia). The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize the knee joint. The ACL connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). It’s most commonly torn during sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction — such as basketball, soccer, tennis and volleyball. A person may be able to have injections in the knee up to four times a year. The dosage can vary between 5 mg and 50 mg of hydrocortisone.
Alternating between hot and cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and alleviate knee pain. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help numb the pain and reduce swelling, while using a heat pack can increase blood flow and promote healing.
Supportive Devices
Using supportive devices such as knee braces or orthotic inserts can help relieve pressure on the knee joint and provide additional stability. These devices can be particularly helpful during physical activities or when standing for long periods of time.
By incorporating these pain relief methods into your daily routine, you can effectively manage and reduce knee pain, allowing you to move more comfortably and enjoy a better quality of life.
