Knee Pain and How to get Rid of It

Knee pain is a common ailment for people of all ages. Its location and severity vary from patient to patient. However, the inability to straighten the knee is one of the most frequent symptoms, as well as the initial weakness that the patient feels and the instability the area might present. They also experience swelling and stiffness in the affected area. People with knee pain are also known to hear popping or crunching noises.

There are several things that can cause knee pain. They go from injuries, to dislocated knee caps, as well as several types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative) and pseudogout, to name a few. Excess weight, lack of muscle flexibility, previous injuries and even certain sports or occupations are among the causes of knee pain in people from all walks of life.

All of these symptoms can be solved by using self-care measures, as well as physical therapy and knee braces. In some cases, though, the patient might require surgery to correct the issue on their knee. Fortunately for them. Not all knee pain is serious and can be easily prevented by keeping a healthy lifestyle. But, if the patient feels instability and has marked swelling, as well as being unable to extend it or flex it, they should visit a doctor as soon as they can. The same thing goes if they have fever, redness, pain and swelling or a severe knee pain from an injury.

With all of this in mind, what can help us get rid of knee pain? First off, finding an exercise program that is safe for the knees, such as weight training, stretching, walking, swimming, elliptical machines and tai chi, to name a few. The latter has been known to ease stiffness and improve balance, according to research. Another good way to prevent a knee injury is to make sure one’s house is well-lit. Handrails on staircases, as well as sturdy ladders and foot stools to move around are great tools to avoid falling and potentially getting hurt. Walking aids also come in handy, so it’s important to not be ashamed of using them if needed.

Another good tip is to use the “RICE” method. What does this stand for? “Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation”. By using this, the patient gives the knee some rest, apply ice to the swelling, wear a compression bandage and keeps it elevated. Another thing: mindfulness about one’s weight. It might be a touchy subject for some, but being overweight is one of the causes of knee injury. This is mainly because the extra pounds can increase stress on this particular area.

The type of shoes a patient wears can also contribute to knee pain. Thus, it is recommended for people with knee pain to get cushioned insoles. Acupuncture can also do the trick, since it involves inserting needles in some parts of the body. Because of this, it has been used to relieve several types of pain. Using cold packs is also a nice alternative.

Palm Beach Research has a clinical study for patients who suffer from knee pain. To learn more about this study visit our website and search our currently enrolling studies and see the different knee pain studies we have here: palmbeachresearch.com/our-current-studies.

SOURCES:

* https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/knee-pain-dos-and-donts

* https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849