If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from knee pain, you know how debilitating it can be. Knee pain can make it difficult to do everyday activities, and can even keep you from getting a good night's sleep. However, there are a few things you can do to help manage your knee pain and get some relief.
Use ice or heat
Ice can help reduce inflammation and swelling, as well as numb the area to help with pain relief. Heat, on the other hand, can help relax muscles and ease stiffness. Try using an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Or, try using a heating pad on the lowest setting for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Heat, on the other hand, can help relax muscles and ease stiffness. One of the best heat sources is a microwaveable heating pad. You can find one at your local drugstore, or even online. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully so you don't overheat the area.
Over-the-counter pain medication
One of the most common pain relievers people take for knee pain is ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Technically, it works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that causes pain and inflammation. Other NSAIDs include naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin. As with any medication, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking anything, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.
Topical pain relief
If you don't want to take oral pain medication, or if you're looking for something to complement it, try a topical pain relief cream or gel. These are applied directly to the skin over the painful area and work by numbing the pain receptors in that area. They work by blocking pain signals from the nerves to the brain.
When used together with oral pain medication, they can provide more complete pain relief. There are certain things you need to consider when using topical pain relief, such as how much to use and how often. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them closely. Also, don't use them on open wounds or broken skin.
Exercise
You may not feel like it when you're in pain, but exercise is one of the best things you can do for knee pain. It helps to strengthen the muscles around the knee, which in turn helps to support the joint and take some of the pressure off. It's also important to remember that regular exercising helps you to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
Carrying extra weight puts additional strain on your knees, which can worsen the pain. It also helps to improve the range of motion and flexibility, which can make it easier to do everyday activities. Swimming is a great form of exercise for people with knee pain because it's low-impact and easy on the joints. Another good option is Tai Chi, which is a form of martial art that focuses on slow, gentle movements.
If you're completely new to exercise, start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration as you're able. And, as with anything else, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
Physical therapy
If you've tried the above methods and are still in pain, or if your pain is severe, you may want to consider physical therapy. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve the range of motion, and decrease pain. A simple search using the words "knee pain doctor near me" should help you find a physical therapist in your area. Just ensure that they are properly licensed and qualified before starting treatment. If possible, get a referral from your doctor, and be sure to ask about your insurance coverage.
There are many different ways to manage knee pain. For instance, some people find relief with over-the-counter medication, while others find that physical therapy works best for them. Everyone is different, so it's important to experiment until you find what works best for you. If you're still in pain, or if your pain is severe, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what's causing your pain and develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
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