Believe it or not, there’s a number of ways in which you can help prevent knee pain or reduce the pain in a safe and easy way. From changing your lifestyle to a series of injections, here are 10 ways to relieve knee pain:
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight.
Carrying extra pounds adds pressure on your joints leading to knee pain. Losing as little as 5 pounds can help relieve the stress on your knees. Talk to your doctor about developing a healthy eating plan and exercise program to help you lose weight.
2. Start a Low-Impact Exercise You May Enjoy
The best exercises for people suffering from knee pain are walking and swimming, be sure to warm up before and cool down after exercising. While exercising is an important aiding relief, make sure to avoid high-impact activities such as running and jumping, as these can worsen knee pain. Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program to help determine which is the right for you.
3. Give Physical Therapy a Try.
Physical and occupational therapy often are helpful for people with knee pain. While a physical therapist can help design an exercise routine for you and your joints, occupational therapy can teach you how to reduce strain on your knees in your daily activities.
4. Get Enough Rest and Relaxation.
Yes, physical activity is important, but resting and relaxing can help promote good health as well, and reduce pain. Some great stress-relieving techniques are deep breathing and meditation.
5. Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Sleep.
Arthritis pain can interfere with a good night’s sleep. However, good sleep is necessary for overall health, so if you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor in order to get proper pain management treatment to help you sleep tight.
6. Use Ice and/or Heat.
Ice is a great aid to help relieve pain and swelling while heat can help ease stiffness on people suffering from arthritis.
7. Apply a Topical Pain Reliever.
There are several over-the-counter creams, gels, sprays, and patches that help relieve arthritis pain. However, if the pain is not going away, talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a prescribed topical pain reliever that will help you out through your days and nights.
8. Use an Oral Pain Reliever.
Oral pain medications are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis symptoms. The first choice is usually an over-the-counter drug like acetaminophen. Ask your doctor about your options – several medications are available, including prescription drug options.
9. Consider Injections.
As we become older, arthritis becomes more painful, and certain over-the-counter products work fairly. For this reason, your doctor will think it’s time to try injections to relieve knee pain. Available options include corticosteroids, which can be used up to 2 or 3 times a year to relieve severe pain. As well, hyaluronic acid injections can help replace the cartilage on your knees and lubricates your joints to stop the pain. Both treatments are available at our 3 Knee Pain Clinic locations in McAllen, Weslaco, and Brownsville.
10. Talk to Your Doctor about Surgery.
While our goal is to help you avoid knee surgery, if you have severe osteoarthritis symptoms that interfere with daily life and do not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary. Ask your doctor about arthroscopic procedures or total knee replacement, which may be necessary.