Effective Ways to Tackle Knee Pain
The knee joint is one of the most vital parts of our body which is responsible for our movement. It is the largest hinge joint of our body which is formed by the association of two joints named tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints. The association between two joints is just like the ball and socket joint that allows for movement. Despite its normal functioning, sometimes it gives immense pain caused by the sudden break, twitching of the joints that create obstacles in our normal daily activities. The most common causes of knee injuries and pains can be observed in adults and senior citizens. There are various options available for knee pain treatment and a person can be cured of knee pain. Let us dig deep into the concept to know more about knee pains and injuries, their causes, and how to treat them permanently.
What Are The Causes of Knee Pains And Injuries?
There can be multiple reasons for the occurrence of knee joint pains. With the passing time, if such conditions are avoided, then it leads to serious consequences like injuries. Following are the description of the causes or reasons for knee pains.
Aging
Aging is one of the most common factors that account for knee pain. It can be mild, moderate, and severe depending upon the type of the situation. When a person walks, the knee experiences a pressure equal to one and half part of the body weight. As soon as age passes the metabolism tends to slow.
Trauma injury
The causes for the knee trauma injury are tumbling, contusion, knee sprain, fracture, punching, etc. These certain activities cause pains in a specific area around the knee or overall knee parts depending on the situation and type of injury.
Ligament Rupture
A ligament is a tissue that is responsible for the flexible movement and change in direction. The breakout of a ligament is caused by the sudden movement or twitching or overstretching of the knee area due to heavy exercises or rigorous activities.
Bursitis
The term bursitis came from the bursa which is fluid containing sac present between the skin and joints of your knee. The fluid is responsible for preventing the friction of the knees caused by the repeated bending of the knees and the frivolous movement.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disorder that causes serious damage to the joints leading to swelling around the knee area. Arthritis around the knee area is most commonly observed in senior citizens these days. The pain is at its peak during the morning and slowly fades with the movement.
What Are The Treatments Available For Treating Knee Pains?
In certain cases, knee pain should not be avoided. The diagnosis and imaging reveal the severity of the damaged areas or whether there is a requirement for specific treatments. Here are the different types of knee pain treatment available are:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatments are the customized set of exercises according to knee problems. A physiotherapist makes sure that the affected person follows a certain set of exercises that are beneficial for their knee. Sometimes, knee braces can be helpful as a part of treatment but not widely suitable for all. The doctor or physiotherapist’s advice is required in such cases.
Painkillers
Standard painkillers have often been prescribed the doctors and physicians for treating knee pain. The strong painkillers have a different composition than the standard ones, and therefore, are only prescribed in case of severe knee injuries. Since these types of painkillers can cause side effects, they should be taken as advised by doctors and physicians.
Motivational Talks And Pain Management Programs
These are the non-surgical methods for treating knee pain. Various organizations offer such programs that could be helpful in the treatment of knee injuries. The program includes specific exercises, pulsed electromagnetic fields, ultrasound, stretching, etc. The program structure depends upon the intensity of the knee pain and injuries.
Injections
In some cases, injecting medications on the knee is advisable. For instance, the corticosteroid injection contains corticosteroid medicine is injected inside the knee for relieving pain and is effective in the case of arthritis flare but not advisable for all types of knee diseases.
In case if the fluid that causes lubrication damages, then the external fluid (hyaluronic acid, which resembles the bursa fluid) is injected from inside the knee.
Surgery
If the injury is severe, then in some cases surgery is advisable. The surgical types depend upon the type of knee injury that occurred.
Arthroscopic surgery is signified as incisions around the knee area. This surgery helps remove extra parts or tissues, remove the disrupted cartilage, and treatment of ligaments.
In addition, partial knee replacement occurs by removing the damaged parts of cartilages or ligaments and substituting them with metal parts. The total knee replacement accounts for the replacement of entire damaged bones and cartilages with metal alloys and polymers.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Well, you must be wondering how to get rid of knee pain without harming your other organ with medicines. To avoid serious injuries and severe treatments, people can include some of the healthy habits in their lifestyle that can reduce the chances of getting knee injuries. Here are some of the healthy habits and preventive measures.
Exercise Daily
The fact that a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise daily can solve most of the body’s problems and can improve a person’s metabolism as well. If a person includes a little amount of exercise, he/she is likely to face fewer problems in the future.
Certain free cardio or exercise programs are available free on YouTube. But make sure not to rush, start with a little, and one day every little effort will add up to something big producing fruitful results. For knee pain, common stretching exercises are considered sufficient.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Losing an excessive amount of weight can help treat knee pains and injuries as well as excess weight puts extra pressure on the knee joints. There is no need to shed excess weight but maintaining the proper body mass index according to your height is the key factor. If you need help, there are weight loss programs available on the internet but make sure to proceed with caution and do not blindly follow any program as it can be detrimental sometimes.
Wear Proper Shoes
When you have chances of knee problems wearing fancy heels and shoes shall surely be avoided as advised by the doctors. Wearing high heels and fancy shoes uplifts your leg leading to bear more pressure on the knees that can cause pains and injuries. Alternative options like comfy sneakers or flat sandals are much more preferable that allow proper movement and alignment of the legs providing less pressure to the knee area. Anyways sneakers are a trend these days!
Pay Attention to Posture
Some people develop a habit of bending forward or relying too much on supports that they don’t even realize when their posture takes a bad shape. A bad posture can affect many body parts even the knees. To maintain good posture, always remember to stand still, sit straight, and do not bend forward too much.
Wear Knee Guards
While performing heavy activities like hiking and roller-coasting, it is important to wear proper knee caps to prevent your knees from injuries and bruises
How to Get Rid of Knee Pain
In an emergency case, a person can follow some treatment methods at home that could be beneficial in reducing knee pain or injuries at least for the time being. Here’s what one can do.
Rest
To avoid the case of severe strain, one should take a rest from its daily works or activities. The best thing to do is to make a resting position so the legs are straight and bear pressure and pain.
Ice
Ice therapy is a magical home remedy that can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Wrap a few cubes of ice in the thin towel and treat the affected area by providing a very little amount of force. This will give instant relief.
Heat
In case of a particular knee sprain, a heat pack or hot water bag can provide instant and temporary relief. If there are no heat packs available simply heat some water on a saucepan soak a thin towel or cloth and apply gently on the affected knee area.
Compression
Compressing the affected area with a tight bandage can help in the restoration of damaged tissues around the knee area. A clean light-weight bandage should be applied for compression.
Elevation
The injured leg should always be aligned in a horizontal position for reducing the pain. The elevated position is accompanied by resting the leg straight over the pillow.
Know When to Visit a Doctor
Surely, there are home remedies and alternative options available for treating knee pains and injuries that can sometimes work wonders for some people. But this isn’t always the case. In case if the pain remains for several days, then it is advisable to visit the doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will diagnose the intensity of the knee injury and will treat it accordingly.
