Knee pain is often debilitating, but there are several treatment options available. Some of these include taking over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium to reduce inflammation. However, you should discuss your treatment options with your doctor. You can also try capsaicin cream or lidocaine creams. If none of these options work, your healthcare provider may recommend stronger medications.
The first step in knee pain treatment is identifying the underlying cause. Often, this is not immediately apparent. Treatments should aim to relieve the symptoms and reduce the underlying problem. Physical therapy involves strengthening the muscles around the affected knee. This can be performed at home or at a health care facility. You can get additional information at Knee Pain Treatment
Several other treatments include shoe inserts, corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, and hyaluronic acid. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Injections of corticosteroids can reduce pain, but should be used with caution. Although these treatments are effective, they can also weaken cartilage and contribute to arthritis of the knee.
Some types of knee pain may be acute or chronic. Mild cases can be treated at home with exercises and rest. However, if you experience ongoing pain or discomfort, you should consult a doctor. Knee pain is not a normal part of life, but it can be a sign of other problems. Regardless of the cause, it is important to get a timely diagnosis and treatment, as it can greatly affect your recovery time. Symptomatic treatments may include a knee brace to reduce pressure on the joint. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also help reduce swelling. Using pillows can also help keep the knee supported.
NSAIDs, such as acetaminophen, can help reduce the amount of pain caused by arthritis. These medications can be taken over-the-counter or prescribed by a healthcare provider. Other treatment options include ice packs, rest, compression, and elevation. Massage is a common form of pain management for arthritic knees and may help reduce some of the pain.
Ice packs are effective for reducing pain and swelling. Make sure you apply ice packs over a towel, and avoid applying them directly to the skin. Compression is also effective for swelling. If you’re able to exercise, wear a brace to provide support to the knee. If this doesn’t work, try elevating the knee to reduce the pain and swelling.
If you have a diagnosis of knee pain, your doctor will likely recommend X-rays to determine the extent of the problem. This will help determine whether the pain is related to arthritis, soft tissue injury, or alignment issues. Your doctor will also recommend scans of the inside of your knee to identify problems with the meniscus, ligaments, or joint. They may also perform blood tests to rule out autoimmune diseases.
Other treatments include injections of hyaluronic acid into the knee. These injections can last up to six months and can provide symptomatic relief. However, they’re not always successful.