Fortunately, there are numerous different ways to address the symptoms you may be feeling in your knee. These options range from home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to more invasive procedures or surgeries. In addition, lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy body weight can also be extremely beneficial.
If your hips are strong, when you get up from a chair or go up and down stairs your knees have less work to do. By Tim Petrie, DPT, OCSPetrie is a board-certified orthopedic specialist who has practiced as a physical therapist for more than a decade. They are also meant to provide short-term relief, however, and should not be taken to manage chronic knee concerns. Unlike arthritis, bursitis tends to have a sudden and severe onset. You might also feel pain that extends beyond the affected joint. By Brett Sears, PTBrett Sears, PT, MDT, is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic and hospital-based therapy.
These exercises help improve strength to quash inside knee pain and prevent it from returning. If you have an acute injury or swelling with inside knee pain, ice is your best bet, says Dr. Paul. That’s because the cold will constrict blood vessels and slow circulation, which reduces swelling. Compression can also reduce swelling by pushing blood and other fluids out of the knee, which helps improve circulation. 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. Your sessions will take place in a private room at your provider’s office.
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. Doctors can give drugs for both the disease itself and the pain it causes. The pain involves more general stiffness that is typically worse in the early morning.
If you are experiencing chronic knee pain, it can greatly impact your daily life and activities. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to help release this discomfort and improve your overall quality of life.
Stay Active with Low-Impact Exercises
One effective way to release knee pain is by engaging in low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, or yoga. These activities can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint, providing added support and reducing pain.
Your knees are two of the largest, most heavily used joints in your body. It’s no wonder, then, that knee pain is both pretty common and pretty hard to ignore. The kneecap moves up and down in a groove on the end of the thigh bone as the knee bends.
Use Hot and Cold Therapy
Applying hot and cold therapy to your knee can also help alleviate pain and inflammation. Use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after physical activity. Alternatively, a warm compress can help increase blood flow and relax tight muscles.
Consider incorporating physical therapy into your routine to receive personalized exercises and techniques to target your specific knee pain areas. A trained therapist can provide guidance on proper form and movements to prevent further injury and promote healing.
Try Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If your knee pain persists, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from discomfort, allowing you to continue with your daily activities.
In severe cases of knee pain, it may be necessary to consult with a healthcare professional for additional treatment options. They may recommend procedures such as cortisone injections or surgery to address the underlying cause of your knee pain.
By implementing these strategies and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can effectively release knee pain and regain mobility and comfort in your daily life.
