Treatment for Knee Pain can range from simple to complex. The knee is a complex joint and the mechanics involved are very complex. Even with treatment, sometimes it’s not known which will work best for the particular patient. There are several ways to treat knee pain as there are certain alternatives to knee replacement bone on bone, including exercise, physical therapy and surgery. In order to treat knee pain effectively, the right treatment plan needs to be determine by the treating physician. Below are four treatment options for Knee Pain.
How Stretching Works
Stretching aids the body to move properly, allowing the muscles to lengthen and relax. Because the knee joint is so complex, the muscles can sometimes be too tense to be effectively worked out. You can generally relieve your pain from home by doing some stretches regularly.
Looking Ahead: Anti-Inflammatories
Inflammation is one of the main reasons for pain and dysfunction in the knee joints and also in the entire body. The swelling typically occurs with overuse, such as excessive exercise or chronic static knee movement, and may be aggravated by strenuous activity. By reducing inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin can be used to reduce the swelling and relieve pain.
Bone and Cartilage Building
Cartilage and bone are responsible for the cushioning of your joints. When there is excessive wear and tear on these two components, symptoms can occur. The bone usually breaks down and the cartilage get damage as well. Preventative measures, such as maintaining good bone density and repairing cartilage damage, can help to reduce symptoms.
Laser Therapy on a Budget?
Special laser tools are use to rebuild the cartilage in a minor area. By increasing the bone density, more pressure is put on the area where the pain is locating. This procedure, however, is only recommended if there are no other associated symptoms. Before undergoing this treatment, it is important to discuss the risks and side effects. It’s important to let your doctor know about any medications you’re taking or any other health conditions you’ve had.
Full Medical History
It’s important to have a complete medical history, including symptoms and treatments, in order to determine the cause of the pain and how to treat it. Your doctor will need to know about any previous illness or injuries that may be causing pain, any current medications, and other concerns, such as a family history of heart problems or diabetes. A thorough physical examination is also essential, especially if there is pain or stiffness in the knees. A medical history can help your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.
Check for Possible Causes
The knees are a complex structure make up of several different muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. It’s possible that one or more of these structures are causing the knee pain. If one or more of these structures are injuring or damaging, the bones will likely need to be surgically repair. Knee injuries, infections, fractures, and muscle strains are some of the most common reasons why the structure around the knee is injured.
Diagnosis Most doctors diagnose meniscus tears using X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. Treatment If the cause of the meniscus tear is a meniscus tear, then treatment includes a combination of ice, heat, compression, and elevation. Most types of meniscus tears heal without any intervention over time.
Medications for Pain Treatment
Medications Some doctors may feel that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cortisone shots, and steroid injections are the best treatments for knee pain symptoms. These medications can work very well, but they can also be dangerous if taken by people with a history of gastrointestinal problems or kidney disease. Surgery is also an option for severe cases, but it should be consider only after other treatments are failing.
Therapy Treatments for knee pain vary according to the doctor. Your physical therapist will be able to recommend exercises and stretches that can help you relieve knee pain symptoms. Your physical therapist may recommend a brace or other support gear to help you get back into activity as quickly as possible.
The doctor may give you prescription strength or stretching aids to help you regain the range of motion you had before the injury or surgery. These can help you move more easily, but are not usually use for long periods of time because they do have some of the same side effects as NSAIDs. The doctor will discuss all the options for treatment for severe knee pain symptoms with you, and let you know what the best course of action is for your specific case.
