People of many ages suffer from knee pain at some point in their life. It can be caused by an injury such as a damaged knee cap or a torn ligament. It can also be the result of a medical condition like gout or arthritis. There are several different ways to get knee pain relief, but they will differ based on the cause of the pain. It is important to have a doctor diagnose any condition that you may have so that you can figure out the best way to relieve the pain and additional symptoms that you may be experiencing.
Symptoms
While the main symptom is, of course, pain in your knee there are other symptoms you can experience as well. You can also expect to experience any or all of the following symptoms in varying severity:
- Stiffness
- Unable to straighten – often caused by stiffness and swelling
- Popping or grinding
- Redness – can also be warm to the touch
- Swelling
Many of the other symptoms you experience will have a direct influence on the success of your knee pain relief efforts. These symptoms also signify the possibility that there is a medical condition or injury causing your symptoms. Treating your knee pain will also require you to treat the other symptoms.
Injuries
There are many different injuries that can lead to knee pain. Anything that causes damage to ligaments or tendons can cause pain. Problems with the bursae that surrounds your knee and the surrounding area can lead to knee pain. A few common injuries are:
- Knee bursitis – caused by an injury that aggravates the bursae and causes these sacs to swell.
- Torn meniscus – a sudden twist of the knee while standing causes the meniscus to tear.
- Patellar tendinitis – swelling of the patellar tendon; cyclists, skiers, and runners are more prone to this injury.
- ACL injuries – tear of the anterior cruciate ligament caused by a sudden change in direction.
Arthritis
Several types of arthritis can cause knee pain and managing the arthritis can help with knee pain relief. Understanding which type of arthritis you have can help. You can find specific methods or treatments that will work for your specific conditions.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a severe type of arthritis because it is a type of autoimmune condition that focuses on the joints. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative type that occurs from the deterioration of cartilage in the knee. Septic arthritis is actually an infection in the knee that causes redness, swelling, and pain. Pseudogout, not to be confused with gout, occurs when calcium pyrophosphate crystals build in the fluid of the bursae.
Treatment Methods
The treatment for your knee problems will vary. The condition(s) you have will provide the methods to treat all your symptoms. When your condition and your other symptoms are managed, you will notice some knee pain relief.
Therapy
Physical therapy can be beneficial in reducing the intensity of your knee pain and other symptoms. The goal of physical therapy is to use targeted exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee. Often, the knee is not the target but rather the quadriceps and hamstrings.
Braces and orthotics are also recommended. Severe injuries and chronic conditions usually require extra support for your knee and knee braces are used. Orthotics are arch supports and wedges that slip into your shoes. They help provide knee pain relief by shifting the pressure on the knee.
Injections
Corticosteroids are a type of injected drug that can be used. They are administered directly into the knee joint. Although corticosteroids are not always effective, many people experience pain relief that can last at least a month or more.
Hyaluronic acid is a thick joint fluid. It can be injected into the knee to help provide knee pain relief. It is often used as part of the treatment for conditions that cause damage to the bursae.
Surgery
Complete knee replacement surgery is done when a knee injury or condition is severe and will only get worse. Damaged cartilage and/or bone from your shin and thigh are removed with the knee cap. The pieces removed are then replaced with an artificial joint.
Partial replacement surgery is similar to complete replacement surgery, but only the extensively damaged part of your knee is replaced. Your healing time is faster and you can expect a high level of knee pain relief when fully healed.
Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive. With this surgery, a scope and microscopic tools are used to repair damage or remove loose parts. Cartilage and torn ligaments can be repaired.
Other Remedies
Other options for knee pain relief include changing your lifestyle, over the counter medications and treatments, and home remedies. Over the counter medications help reduce or remove knee pain and can be from using a pain reliever or medicated cream. Lifestyle changes do not have to be drastic. Simple things like taking breaks and wearing a knee brace can go a long way. Home remedies are also simple. You can use ice to reduce knee pain if it flares up or becomes bothersome; use ice on the area in 20 minute increments. Keep the ice on the area for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes, and on again. Continue until you have relief from the pain and/or the swelling has gone down.
Taking a page from the physical therapy aspect can be beneficial. You can perform specific exercises that will help you strengthen and work out your knee and the surrounding area. Because certain exercises target these specific muscles and tendons, you can also experience relief from the other symptoms that you may be experiencing in addition to the pain.
Knee pain does not have to be something you have to suffer through for your entire life. There are several ways to get knee pain relief. While all methods are not always effective for some people, trying them can be worth it. Talk with your doctor about your knee pain and other symptoms so that you can create a treatment plant best for your particular needs and pain management.
