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How to Relieve Knee Pain Caused by Osteoarthritis

Contributor
By Lee Andrew Henderson
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Osteoarthritis, or the loss of cartilage around joints, causes joint pain. This condition, also referred to as "degenerative arthritis," is the most common type of arthritis. Here are some steps you can take to relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Swimming pool
  1. Step 1

    Visit a doctor. There might not be a shot or drug that cure knee pain caused by your osteoarthritis. Even so, it's important for you to see a doctor to discuss appropriate exercises, diet, medication and possibly seeing a physical therapist.

  2. Step 2

    Avoid activities that put a lot of stress on your knee joints, such as kneeling or running.

  3. Step 3

    Rest sore joints. If you feel inflammation or pain, then stay off your feet until your knees no longer feel sore.

  4. Step 4

    Exercise, preferably in a swimming pool. It may seem like a contradiction to advise both rest and exercise for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. You should definitely rest when your knees feel sore, but when they feel alright you should exercise. Exercise helps you to lose weight, which can be a major help in relieving knee pain. Avoid exercises that put stress on your knees, like lunges and squats. Jogging or walking are okay, but swimming is the best exercise for knee joint pain. The water will relax sore muscles and ease stiff joints. The buoyancy of the water also reduces resistance, making the motion of the joints much easier.

  5. Step 5

    Start a diet. Eating properly can help you to lose those extra pounds, taking stress off your knee joints. Ask your doctor if there's a certain type of diet you should follow.

  6. Step 6

    Visit a physical therapist. If you don't feel you're overweight, or if losing weight doesn't relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, physical therapy may be another option. Ask the physical therapist to provide you with a cane, walker or leg braces if these would help relieve the pain.

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