If you experience knee pain, you may typically treat it at home.
However, more catastrophic situations (such as abrupt injuries to tendons and ligaments or significant joint degeneration) necessitate medical treatment and, in some circumstances, surgery.
What exactly is knee pain?
Knee discomfort can arise from various causes, the most prevalent being overuse, traumas, or arthritis. Knee pain can occur at any age, although it is more common in older individuals because of joint degradation, which is a disease known as osteoarthritis.
Rest, anti-inflammatory medicine, and ice may help you feel better, depending on what’s causing your discomfort. You may require knee treatment or surgery if your damage is more severe.
Surgeons frequently employ minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopic surgery) to treat knee injuries such as torn tendons or ligaments. However, these injuries might result in knee instability and discomfort. In extreme circumstances, your healthcare physician may propose knee replacement surgery.
What are some potential reasons for knee pain?
Many diseases and injuries can cause knee pain. For example, overuse, accidents, and arthritis are the most typical reasons for knee discomfort.
Overuse
Pain might result from repetitive actions. Here are several examples:
- Patellofemoral pain (runner’s knee): Discomfort under or around the kneecap, generally caused by mechanics, the form of the knee cap, or a combination of the two.
- Osgood-Schlatter disease: Swelling of the shinbone below the kneecap caused by overuse in youngsters.
- Tendonitis of the quadriceps or patella tendon: Activities involving repeated leaping, such as volleyball or basketball.
Injury
Sudden trauma can cause damage to components of your knee joint.
Among the common knee injuries include:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or the medial collateral ligament (MCL): Damage to the knee’s key supporting ligaments.
- Bursitis: A swelling (inflammation) of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint.
- Kneecap dislocation: The movement of your kneecap out of position (the bone that covers your knee).
- Meniscus tear: A tear in the cartilage of the knee (slippery tissue that helps bones move together smoothly).
Arthritis
Arthritis is a disorder that affects many of your body’s joints. When you have knee arthritis, the joint swells. This may be an excruciatingly painful condition and is more prone to occur as you age. The knees can be affected by a variety of arthritic conditions, including:
- Arthritis rheumatoid: An autoimmune illness that assaults the body’s joints, producing inflammation (swelling) and degeneration.
- Osteoarthritis: A gradual deterioration of the cartilage in your joint. Your body weight might significantly impact your joint health because being overweight might put additional strain on the knee.
How can I deal with knee pain?
The treatment for knee pain is determined by what is causing it and how bothersome it is for you. Here are some general recommendations:
- Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory drugs frequently treat minor knee injuries.
- Wearing a brace might help to support your knee while it heals.
- Medication and physical therapy may alleviate knee discomfort caused by arthritis.
- If required, doctors may mend tendon and ligament rips with minimally invasive surgery.
- More severe knee discomfort may necessitate knee replacement surgery.
Whatever causes your knee pain, physical therapy exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support your knee and decrease pain.
How can I get rid of knee discomfort at home?
Your doctor or physical therapist might recommend home treatment for knee discomfort. These may involve:
- The use of heat or cold packs.
- Modified activities to prevent creating discomfort.
- Gentle stretches or movements.
- Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen as over-the-counter pain remedies.
- Muscle lotions and massages.
- Wearing a knee brace for support.