Image of bent knee with hot water bottle for relief of knee pain.
17/02/2023 By AskAwayHealth

Conquer Knee Pain: Tips and Strategies for Relief

Knee pain is a surprisingly common complaint, and it can range from mild discomfort to severe inflammation and immobility.

Image of bent knee with hot water bottle for relief of knee pain.

Whether you experience occasional or chronic knee pain, it’s essential to understand the causes of knee pain and how you can manage your symptoms with effective strategies. 

This article will provide an overview of the most common causes of knee pain, useful tips for treating pain, and prevention strategies for long-term management.

Causes of Knee Pain

The most common cause of knee pain is a sports-related injury.

Traumatic injuries to the knee can occur through direct impact or overuse, resulting in joint sprains and strains, tears of the ligaments or cartilage, and fractures. 

Arthritis is another common reason for knee pain.

There are two types of arthritis commonly known as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition resulting from wear and tear on the joints due to age or from past damage from an injury or other condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your body’s immune system attacks the synovial membrane surrounding your joints, leading to inflammation which can cause long-term pain and discomfort.

Obesity is also known to cause knee pain, as the extra weight can put undue strain on the joints and surrounding ligaments.

Poor posture and incorrect body mechanics during physical activities can lead to overuse of certain areas of the knee joint, resulting in soreness, swelling, and other painful symptoms. 

African man dressed in black sports gear holding to his knee which looks inflamed and painful

Treatment Tips

Seek Help From a Doctor

If you experience a traumatic knee injury, seek medical attention for proper guidance on treatment and recovery.

Your doctor may recommend imaging tests and physical therapy to help with your recovery from the injury. 

Rest and Ice

For minor injuries or to relieve acute pain, rest the area and apply ice several times daily.

This will help reduce inflammation and soothe soreness around the joint.

Consider Physical Therapy

If you are struggling with chronic knee pain, consider seeing a physical therapist who can prescribe exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and mobility in the affected joint.

Lady sitting on the sofa massing her painful knee.

Consider Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care are some of the alternative methods used to reduce inflammation and pain in the knee. 

Experiment With Natural Pain Aids

Natural remedies such as turmeric and ginger can effectively reduce inflammation in the knee joint. You can also experiment with CBD gummies from Redeem. They have had a lot of good reviews from customers. 

Prevention Strategies for Long-Term Management

Wear Appropriate Shoes

Wearing supportive shoes appropriate for your activity will help reduce stress on your knees. Investing in shock-absorbing insoles or orthotics can also protect against future injuries. 

African lady running until she was stopped by knee pain

Keep Moving

Regular exercise is key for maintaining healthy joints and keeping weight at a healthy level.

Low-impact activities like swimming or biking are good ways to stay active without putting too much strain on the knees. 

Be Careful with Exercises

Avoid exercises that require you to twist, jump, or sprint while pivoting on your knee joint. These types of movements can increase the risk of injury and result in further pain. 

Knee pain is a common complaint among many people, and various factors can cause it.

Knowing the most common causes, following treatment tips, and implementing prevention strategies for long-term management can reduce your risk of knee pain.

Seek professional advice if needed, and take care of yourself to prevent further injury.     

More Reading

Editing by AskAwayHealth Team

Disclaimer

All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising Medical Practitioners on various healthcare conditions to promote quality healthcare. 

The advice in our material is not meant to replace a qualified healthcare practitioner’s management of your specific condition.
Don’t hesitate to contact a health practitioner to discuss your condition or reach us directly 
here.

Image Credits: Canva