Is there a Way to get Rid of the Knee Pain?
After not getting active, you may feel a slight ache in the knees and mild swelling. That's osteoarthritis. This is a common condition, particularly as we age .
It might be a routine for you to reach out to your nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) like Advil(r), Motrin(r), or Naprofen(r), in an effort to manage your symptoms .
Although pain relief drugs can be taken for knee osteoarthritis should not be considered a complete treatment plan. Carly Day MD, a sports medicine specialist, says that every person is different and must be treated individually.
It is essential to lose weight if you are overweight. This is not surprising. Each extra pound you add to your weight puts two to four more pounds on your knees.
Dr. Day states that "Losing weight" is the most challenging part of the treatment. However, it's the most important.
Both diet and exercise are important components of a weight loss plan. Be cause of their pain, some people find it difficult to exercise in order to lose weight. However, any exercise is possible to help your upper body and reduce the pain.
A role that physical therapy can play in the treatment process. Dr. Day explains that while improving range of motion and strength are important, physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis focuses on strengthening the hips.
A weak hip puts more strain on the knees. When your hips feel strong, your knees can do less work when you are able to get up from the chair or climb up stairs.
According to Dr. Day, anyone with knee osteoarthritis needs to consult a physical therapy. Dr. Day says that a physical therapist can help you learn the best exercises and also give valuable guidance about how to modify your activities, such as getting up and down stairs or driving in order reduce pain.
How to Get Moving Every Day
Dr. Day says, "Joints were built to move." Research shows that those who don't exercise as much have greater arthritis pain than those who do. Bicycling, swimming, and exercising in a pool are all low-impact options.
Ask your doctor about the possibility of a knee brace . Dr. Day said that there is evidence to support the claim that even a basic compression sleeve can help reduce pain. You can find one in your local drugstore.
Talk to your doctor about an unloader brace that is more tailored for you. This relieves pressure on a certain portion of your joint. The severity of your arthritis and the location (e.g., in the hips or kneecap) will determine the brace you need.
Supplements for mild pain Dr. Day recommends supplements such as the combination glucosamine-chondroitin, or the spice turmeric.
Although evidence is not conclusive for both chondroitin and glucosamine, it appears they are safe. This might make it worth your while. People with shellfish allergies may have difficulty consuming them. The effect will not be immediate. Dr. Day suggests that you try it for 6-8 weeks. She says, "If there is improvement in your condition, that's great. If not, stop the program."
Turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. It can be used as an ingredient in food, or taken as a supplement. Turmeric can thin the blood so those who are on blood thinners should avoid it.
The proper way to use pain medication for osteoarthritis. There are two main types of over-the counter pain medications. Acetaminophen, Tylenol (r), is an opioid that relieves pain but does not cause inflammation. It may help with mild knee pain.
Because they relieve both pain and inflammation, NSAIDs are more efficient. They can have side effects or risks. The stomach lining can be irritated by NSAIDs, leading to ulcers and other problems. They may also affect kidney function. Some NSAIDs may increase blood pressure. These drugs have also been associated with an increase in the likelihood of developing heart disease.
Dr. Day warns patients against taking NSAIDs for long periods. She uses NSAIDs in two different ways for patients. People who are experiencing a severe flare up of pain may take them for between three and five days. They can also be taken long-term, although only for occasional use, perhaps a few times per week.
Dr. Day suggests that people who are taking NSAIDs for long periods of times should reduce their intake and maximize the effectiveness of other therapies. A topical NSAID such as Diclofenac (Voltaren Gel, Pennsaid(r), Pennsaid)), has fewer side effects and is also recommended.
Opioid pain relievers are discouraged for long-term treatment of chronic knee pain. Dr. Day suggests that the milder tramadol narcotic might be appropriate for occasional treatment of chronic knee pain.
Another low-risk option is injection therapy. If the other options don't work, then injection therapy may be an option.
The corticosteroid injection is a procedure that delivers the anti-inflammatory drug to the knee. These benefits usually last for a short time. However, it can vary from person-to-person. Dr. Day states that the relief from pain can last for anywhere between a week and a year. People with uncontrolled diabetes should be aware that corticosteroids may increase their blood sugar.
For a possibly longer lasting effect, an injection of hyaluronic acid (also called viscosupplementation) can be tried. Dr. Day says that hyaluronic acids is something healthy joints need more than arthritic ones. Although it takes longer for the effects to kick in than corticosteroid injections, they can last up to six months.
Current research on the efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP), is ongoing, but isn’t covered by any insurance. The procedure of PRP is to draw some blood and spin it in a centrifuge before injecting part into the knee.
She suggests that if you are unable to control your symptoms with these methods, then it might be time for surgery.