Whether you’ve just had surgery on your knee, are suffering from chronic knee pain or are just looking for tips on how to relieve knee pain, there are a few ways to help. Some of these include taking anti-inflammatory medication, exercising and using cold therapy to help reduce pain and swelling.
Exercise
Several studies have shown that exercise is an effective way to relieve pain. However, a large number of studies have not clearly identified the most effective exercise for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. For example, exercise has been shown to decrease pain in patients with knee OA, but research is still needed to determine the optimal mode, duration and timing of an exercise program for this population.
Exercises that activate specific muscles have been shown to relieve pain. For example, a standing leg lift exercise is shown to reduce pain. This exercise consists of lifting your knee up, pause, and then slowly lowering it back to the starting position. It’s a low-impact exercise, but if you’re having trouble balancing, you can stand behind a sturdy chair.
Anti-inflammatory medication
Having pain in your knees can be a problem. Whether it’s caused by osteoarthritis or another condition, there are a number of different treatments to choose from. These treatments may include surgery, injections, or a combination of treatments.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain. They are available over the counter and in prescription form. They can also help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Other options include corticosteroids. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation and pain. However, they are not effective in all cases.
Acupuncture is another treatment option. During acupuncture, you place needles on the affected area. This can provide relief for up to six months.
You may also want to consider heating wraps, hot water bottles, or compression bandages. Heat can help relax the muscles and improve circulation. The bandage should be breathable and tight enough to support the knee without limiting circulation.
Ice
Using ice relieves knee pain and can be a good thing to do in the event of an injury. However, it’s not the only option. The use of heat can also help relieve the pain and stiffness caused by an injury.
It can also improve the range of motion of a knee. Heat also loosens the surrounding muscles. It also improves blood flow to the joint.
It’s a good idea to use ice and heat in tandem. This can prevent further damage to the knee. It may also help reduce the swelling in the knee.
You can also try alternating heat and ice. Use heat to loosen the muscles around the knee before using ice. You can then apply ice for 20 minutes and repeat the process.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy
Increasing numbers of physicians are using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a non-surgical alternative for patients with knee osteoarthritis. There are several advantages to this therapy. These include symptomatic relief of pain, preventing inflammation, and the ability to improve joint function. Compared to surgery, PRP is also relatively low-cost.
It is recommended that patients work with their physician to find a treatment that is right for them. In some cases, PRP injections may be “off-label,” meaning that they are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Also, your insurance company may not cover PRP injections, so it is important to check your policy.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy may also be helpful for patients with a chronic tendon injury. In a study from 2006, 60 percent of patients who received PRP for elbow tendinosis experienced improvement. It is important to avoid using anti-inflammatory drugs, which can interfere with the effectiveness of this treatment.
Keep a journal
Keeping a journal to relieve knee pain might not be the first thing that pops into your head. But it can have many perks, including boosting your immune system, rewiring your brain, and even easing the symtoms of stress.
There are many different ways to keep a journal, from using a smartphone app to writing your thoughts out on paper. However, the best way to go about it is to find the right one for you. Luckily, there are many free and cheap options.
You can also try using a timer, a notebook, or an app. It might be best to start out small and work your way up. Some apps even let you set up reminders. If you’re a creative type, a sketchbook might be the way to go.