Hop, skip, jump, leap. Remember the good old days? When you were a kid in the playground and the possibilities were endless. Things have changed since. If you were to take a running leap now, your knees would bear the brunt for days afterwards.
This is one of the most frustrating parts about growing up, the aches and pains that come with it. Climb one extra flight of stairs or step off a train the wrong way and your knees start to protest. Other times there may be no discernible knee pain reason in the first place, and you’re left wondering what knee pain remedy you can try when you don't even know the knee pain cause?
While sometimes knee pain may be caused by an external injury, other times it could be due to an underlying disease. Let’s take a look at a few different causes of knee pain and how to best treat them.
Knee pain causes
1. Knee injuries
Knee injuries are the most common culprit and knee pain cause. Sudden twisting or impact, excessive use, repetitive actions or a fall can result in knee injuries.
Here are a few common knee injuries you may face:
- Knee fracture
- Knee sprain
- Knee dislocation
- Tendon tears
Athletes are more prone to knee injuries due to the nature of their routine. Knee discomfort may be accompanied by stiffness, or trouble moving the knee, depending on the severity of the injury.
Treatment for knee injuries
Knee pain treatment depends on the kind of injury that has been suffered. The RICE treatment is recommended for most injuries. Immobilisation and physical therapy may be recommended according to the severity of the injury.
Wearing an athlete's knee sleeve is a recommended knee pain solution that can stabilise and support your knee joint while you are working out.
Arthritis is characterised by inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is a common cause of knee pain, particularly in older adults. There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis, but the most prevalent are
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Different types of rheumatism can have different causes. While rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the joint lining, osteoarthritis is typically brought on by wear and tear on the joints. Infections, trauma, genetics, or a combination of these variables may contribute to the development of other types of arthritis.
Treatment for arthritis
Some common knee pain treatment measures for arthritis include:
- Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in low-impact exercise can help reduce arthritis symptoms.
- Physical and occupational therapy can help strengthen the muscles and relieve pain.
- Joint braces may be used to relieve pain by offering compression and support to the joint.
- OTC medicine can act as painkillers as advised by your doctor.
3. Tendinitis
The inflammation of the tendons that attach muscles to the knee joint is known as tendinitis. Overuse or repetitive motions may be the cause, especially in athletes or those with physically demanding occupations. Tendinitis can result in knee discomfort, stiffness, and weakness.
Treatment for tendinitis
Treatment usually varies according to the location and severity of the condition, some of the common treatments are:
- Resting the affected area to help reduce inflammation and give the tendon time to heal.
- Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and inflammation whereas heat therapy can also help increase blood flow and promote healing.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce pain and inflammation. Topical creams or ointments containing anti-inflammatory medication can also be used to relieve pain.
- Physical therapy can help improve flexibility and strength in the affected area, reducing the risk of future injury.
- In some cases, immobilizing the affected area with a splint or brace can help reduce stress on the tendon and promote healing.
4. Patellar syndrome
This condition, also known as "runner's knee”, is brought on by irritation of the cartilage on the underside of the patella (kneecap). It can affect people who repeatedly bend their knees, which is a prevalent overuse injury among runners and athletes. This syndrome is characterised by discomfort in the front of the knee, which is made worse when bending or squatting.
Treatment for patellar syndrome
The best knee pain treatment approach for patellofemoral pain syndrome will depend on the underlying cause of your condition, as well as the severity and duration of your symptoms. In general, treatment usually involves”
- Rest and ice: Avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms and apply ice packs to your knee for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen your knee and improve your flexibility and range of motion.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers as advised by your doctor can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Knee brace: A knee brace or patellar strap can help support your knee and provide relief.
- Footwear modification: Choosing the right footwear can help reduce the stress on your knee joint. Consider shoes with good shock absorption and arch support.
Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when uric acid particles accumulate in the joint. Any part of the body, including the knee, is susceptible to it. Gout causes joint inflammation, redness, and sudden, severe pain. It is more prevalent in males than females and may be brought on by a diet high in purines, drinking alcohol, or specific medications.
Treatment for gout
Treatment for gout should be individualized to each patient and their specific needs. The two main courses that treatment can take are:
- Medication: Gout can be controlled with the right medication. Your doctor may prescribe urate-lowering therapy medications (ULT) to lower the levels of uric acid in the body.
- Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your diet and lifestyle can help reduce the levels of uric acid in your body. This includes avoiding high-purine foods such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise.
Excess weight can put extra pressure on the knee joint, causing knee pain and making existing conditions worse. Obesity is a risk factor for several knee conditions, including osteoarthritis and patellar syndrome.
Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet is a surefire way to keep your weight under control and avoid weight-related joint strain.
7. Other conditions
Knee pain can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as infections, tumors, or nerve damage. In some cases, knee pain may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as cancer or a blood clot. If knee pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying conditions.
Now you know the different knee pain causes and what knee pain treatment looks like for them. If your knee pain has turned chronic or you suspect that there may be a serious underlying cause, see a doctor immediately.
Getting timely help can help diagnose the problem early and prevent worsening of the condition.
It’s important to know that taking good care of your knees can help prevent the risk of injury in the first place. Let’s discuss a few measures that will allow you to keep your knees healthy and prevent knee pain.
How to prevent knee pain
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise is one of the most essential knee pain remedies as it helps keep the muscles around the knee joint strong and flexible. Low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga are great options for knee health.
- Wear proper footwear: Wearing shoes that provide proper support and cushioning can help reduce the impact on the knees during daily activities.
- Stretch before and after exercise: Stretching before and after exercise can help is an easy knee pain solution that helps reduce pain by improving flexibility.
- Avoid activities that put stress on the knees: Sudden activities like running, jumping, and high-impact sports can put stress on the knees and increase the risk of knee pain. If you are not used to such intensive activity, do not carry them out spontaneously.
- Maintain proper posture: Poor posture can put stress on the knees and other joints in the body. Therefore, maintaining proper posture while sitting, standing, and walking can help prevent knee pain.
- Take breaks during repetitive activities: If your job or daily activities require repetitive motions that put stress on the knees, taking breaks to stretch and rest can help prevent knee pain.
- Use a knee brace: Using a knee brace while exercising or playing sports can lend support to your joint and help protect your knees.
In conclusion, knee pain can be a debilitating condition that can severely impact a person's quality of life. However, there are many knee pain remedies available that can help alleviate pain and restore mobility. Simple lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and exercise, can also help prevent knee pain entirely.
It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop an individualised knee pain treatment plan that addresses the specific needs and goals of each patient. With the right treatment, many individuals with knee pain can regain their mobility and enjoy a more active lifestyle. By understanding different knee pain causes and the available treatment options, individuals can take an active role in managing their condition and improving their overall health and well-being.
Disclaimer
Please note that the above recommendations are general care tips. Consult a healthcare professional in case of any uncertainty around wound treatment and healing.
Always see your doctor if a wound is deep, bleeding profusely or showing signs of infection. For diabetic patients especially, proper wound care holds the utmost importance. Do not hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor or your podiatrist, even when it comes to minor wounds and cuts – especially if they’re on your feet.
The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Although compiled with great care, it is not a substitute for professional advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult your doctor immediately.
For further information regarding Hansaplast products, please contact us via email at customer.care@bdfindia.com