Knee pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that affects many people. It can be caused by an injury, overuse, or even arthritis. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available to help alleviate the pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen are often used to reduce swelling and pain.
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are also effective home care techniques for knee pain. Kinesiology tape can be used to support the knee and increase body awareness. In some cases, a doctor may need to drain the soft tissues surrounding the knee to reduce pain. Staying away from your knee as much as possible after an injury is important for healing.
If severe knee pain persists for more than three days, it is best to seek medical attention. Mild knee pain can often be treated at home with medications and RICE. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce swelling and pain, making movement more tolerable. It is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication to avoid interactions with other medications or unwanted side effects.
Pain on the inside of the knee can be due to an ACL or MCL injury, overuse, or even arthritis. If you experience pain on the inside of your knee while putting pressure on the joint, such as when going up and down stairs or when sitting in a chair, you may have osteoarthritis. A person may hear crunches or clicks when the knee joint moves, depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Prepatellar bursitis is a common complaint among people who work on their knees or who perform activities that are at risk of being hit to the knee.
This pain can also be caused by trauma, in which a person has fallen to their knees or has had an accident.Knee pain has a wide variety of specific causes and treatments. Some common home care techniques for knee pain that control inflammation and help break the inflammatory cycle are protection, rest, ice, compression and lifting. Kinesiology tape is especially useful in knee injuries that involve damage to knee structures, such as a knee sprain. In some cases, a doctor may need to drain the soft tissues surrounding the knee to reduce pain.Here are some tips on how to prepare your room and body for a good night's sleep and what to do if your knee pain gets worse:
- Avoid activities that cause pain.
- Apply ice packs for 15 minutes at a time.
- Wear supportive shoes.
- Take NSAIDs as directed.
- Stretch before and after exercise.
- Sleep on a firm mattress.
- Elevate your leg while sleeping.
- If your symptoms worsen, see a doctor.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), RICE, kinesiology tape, and rest are all effective treatments for mild knee pain. If these treatments do not work or if symptoms worsen, it is best to seek medical attention from a doctor.
