Knee Pain Cure
Knee pain is a common complain. In fact, the Mayo Clinic reports that one in three Americans over the age of 45 suffer from knee pain. Knee pain can be caused by any number of diseases, injuries or conditions. A ruptured ligament or torn cartilage can be a result of an injury while playing sports, exercising or arthritis. Many causes of knee pain can be cared for at home with over-the-counter medications, targeted exercises, ice or rest. The first step in treating your knee pain is determining the cause.
-
Tendonitis in the Knee
-
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that knee pain caused by injury, aging or overuse may be symptomatic of tendonitis, which means that the tendon becomes less elastic. Tendonitis is also a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Your doctor will diagnose tendonitis in the knee if you feel pain along the tendon or near your joint, if your pain occurs mostly at night, or if the discomfort is worse with activity or movement. Most often, tendonitis can be treated at home. The NIH recommends keeping your knee immobile with a splint or brace. Applying heat or ice--whichever you prefer--to the affected area will help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), like aspirin or ibuprofen, also reduces inflammation and discomfort.
Arthritis in the Knee
-
Some of the most common types of arthritis of the knee, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that wears away the joint cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that destroys the cartilage; it typically affects both knees. Post-traumatic arthritis develops after an injury to the knee. The AAOS has three basic recommendations for treating arthritis in the knee. Lifestyle modification includes losing weight, doing low-impact exercises such as swimming or biking versus running or playing basketball. You may also want to minimize activities that exacerbate your symptoms. Exercise helps increase your range of motion and strengthens the muscles surrounding the joint. The AAOS has also looked at studies that show a brace, cane or shoe insert is particularly helpful if your arthritis affects one side of your knee.
-
Knee Injuries
-
If your knee pain is a result of an injury, such as a fall, or if you twisted your knee while playing a sport like tennis or golf, there are many steps you can take at home to alleviate pain and inflammation. According to the Mayo Clinic, "the key to treating many types of knee pain is to break the cycle of inflammation that begins right after an injury." P.R.I.C.E., an acronym that means protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation, is recommended by the Mayo Clinic to treat your knee injury at home. A compression wrap, crutches or a brace will protect the injury from getting worse. Taking a break from your normal activities will give your knee the rest it needs to heel. Ice reduces pain and inflammation from an acute injury. A compression bandage will prevent fluid buildup. Elevating your leg will drain fluid away from the knee and prevent swelling.
-
