High-impact exercises can further injure painful knees. 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.
Dealing with knee pain can be debilitating and impact your ability to go about daily activities. Finding temporary relief is crucial to managing the discomfort until you can seek professional treatment. Here are some tips for finding temporary knee pain relief:
Some people choose to have a nerve block to get pain relief while delaying surgery for a variety of reasons. A thorough examination by a doctor or physiotherapist can help establish a precise diagnosis of your knee pain. He or she may also recommend some treatments specific to your individual case.
1. Rest and Elevate
There are various surgical options for treating OA of the knee. These can provide temporary relief, but they do not offer long-term relief. Frequent steroid injections may also lead to negative side effects, so a doctor will usually limit these treatments. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. OA of the knee happens when the cartilage — the cushion between the knee joints — breaks down.
One of the simplest ways to alleviate knee pain temporarily is to rest the affected leg and elevate it. This helps reduce swelling and pressure on the knee joint, providing some relief from the pain.
2. Ice Therapy
Applying ice to the painful area can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation. Wrap a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas in a towel and apply it to the knee for about 15-20 minutes at a time.
These are the type of drugs that can relieve knee pain, but not inflammation. Some analgesics are available over the counter, while others need a doctor’s prescription. They can be taken as needed or at regular intervals to manage the pain.
A combination of diet and exercise is an integral part of weight loss. Weight reduction is necessary for knee pain relief because it reduces joint loading and inflammation. However, it is only effective when you commit to an exercise regimen and a healthy diet. If knee pain is affecting your daily routines, other treatments aren’t working, and X-rays show a loss of cartilage in your knee, your doctor might recommend surgery. Some doctors perform arthroscopic surgery to remove a torn meniscus, a pad of cartilage that absorbs shock in the knees.
An injured or torn meniscus is a common condition that results from forcibly twisting your knee. It can take about 2 to 3 days before you feel the effect. Most people can return to work or go home right after they get the shot. Your doctor can give you a shot into your knee, after numbing it, to deliver medicine directly to your joint. If you have a problem that needs medical help, the sooner you have an assessment and start treatment, the better outlook you’re likely to have.
While there are more than 100 types of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the one that most often affects the knee. OA is also most likely in adults over 50 years of age and is known as a “wear-and-tear” type of arthritis, where joint damage occurs from knee cartilage breaking down. The origins of your pain may be in the low back, shoulder, or knee. Or it may be post-amputation or chronic or acute post-operative pain.
3. Compression
Using a compression bandage or knee sleeve can provide support to the knee joint and help reduce swelling. Make sure not to wrap it too tightly, as this can restrict blood flow.
4. Over-the-counter Pain Medication
Taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain temporarily. Follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if needed.
5. Gentle Exercise
Engaging in gentle exercises like stretching or low-impact activities can help improve flexibility and strength in the knee joint. Avoid high-impact activities that may exacerbate the pain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long should I rest my knee?
A: It’s important to listen to your body and rest your knee until the pain subsides. If the pain persists, consult a healthcare professional.
Q: Can I use heat therapy for knee pain relief?
A: Heat therapy can be helpful for some types of knee pain, such as stiffness. However, avoid using heat if there is swelling or inflammation present.
By following these tips and techniques, you can find temporary relief from knee pain and improve your quality of life while waiting for professional treatment.
