Table of contents:
- Treatment for knee pain
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Analgesic
- Natural remedies for knee pain
- Ginger extract
- Turmeric
- Willow bark
- Alternative medicine
- Exercise and weight management
- Hot and cold compress therapy
- Tai chi
- Home care tips for knee pain
Experiencing knee pain can cause difficulties in working, playing, and even living life. There are many options for the treatment of knee pain, but depending on the severity and severity of your symptoms, it will take you patience to choose the best treatment for your pain. Here are some tips to help you deal with knee pain and have a better life.
Treatment for knee pain
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are drugs to reduce inflammation. This medication may be used for inflammation depending on the user's health condition. For example, people with kidney or liver disease should not use NSAIDs. You can buy NSAIDs that are on the market or by prescription. This drug is often used for the treatment of arthritis.
NSAIDs work by blocking enzymes in the body that cause inflammation, specifically the Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. This enzyme plays an important role in making prostaglandins - groups of lipids that are created in areas of tissue damage or infection to control the inflammatory process. By blocking the Cox enzyme, NSAIDs stop your body from making lots of prostaglandins. Through this process the swelling is reduced and the pain is also reduced.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are commonly known as steroids. However, it is not the type of steroid athletes use to gain muscle mass and increase strength. These drugs are anabolic steroids as well as illegal drugs. Corticosteroids are synthetic chemicals meant to mimic the hormone cortisone in the body. These drugs reduce the production of chemicals that cause inflammation.
Corticosteroids can be taken orally or injected directly into the knee. However, you will need to re-inject corticosteroids every few months.
Analgesic
Analgesics are drugs that relieve pain by causing numbness or to affect unconsciousness during surgery. This medication is designed for pain relief only. There may be some side effects that can appear such as stomach upset or heartburn. If you can't use an NSAID because of allergies or kidney or liver problems, your doctor may recommend this drug.
Natural remedies for knee pain
Ginger extract
Ginger is a natural painkiller that has been tested to be effective. Ginger is available in many forms. The health benefits of ginger are proven to relieve stomach aches and nausea and can also relieve pain in knee injuries or arthritis. A study in arthritis patients found that ginger helps to reduce pain when used in combination with prescription medications for arthritis.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular spice in Indian cooking which gives them a beautiful golden color and unique taste. Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from bacteria and viruses that can damage cells and tissues. Turmeric is used to prevent inflammation in people with arthritis.
Willow bark
Studies have shown that a combination of using willow bark and other remedies for knee pain can provide mild to moderate pain relief. Many people usually chew the bark or brew it to make tea. However, you should use willow bark in moderation as it can be poisonous in large amounts.
Alternative medicine
Exercise and weight management
Doing daily exercises can reduce knee pain by keeping joints active and preventing stiffness. The more you are overweight, the more stress on your knees, so it is very important to manage a healthy weight.
Hot and cold compress therapy
Hot or cold compresses can reduce knee pain. Using an ice pack or hot water and applying it to your painful area can effectively reduce the pain.
Tai chi
Tai chi is an exercise to improve balance and flexibility. This activity also teaches you to focus and discipline your thoughts. Tai Chi can reduce pain and improve movement for those with knee pain.
Home care tips for knee pain
To manage knee pain at home, follow these tips:
- Rest your knees and avoid overwork.
- Apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce pain.
- Compress, or wrap, the knee to reduce swelling.
- Elevate your knees by placing a pillow under them.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.