Say Goodbye to Knee Pain: Expert Tips for Fast Relief

Are your knees aching from overuse, an accident, or arthritis? Of course, you want fast knee pain relief, and the experts at Advanced Bone & Joint can help you achieve it.

Based on your specific condition, we can offer a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief and improve your quality of life. However, before we dive into the solutions, let us first review the common causes of knee pain.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

About 20% of American adults experience some degree of knee pain. One of the most common causes of knee pain comes from pressure being placed on the knee due to excess body weight.

Additional causes of knee pain include:

Overuse of Your Major Joints

Repetitive activities such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs can put excessive strain on your knees, leading to pain and discomfort. This can also include heavy lifting or hours of standing, kneeling, or squatting.

Injuries from Impact and Overuse

A sudden fall or impact during sports can damage the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage in your knees. However, repetitive motion also is a common reason people’s knees hurt. Injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis, and runner’s knee develop from constant overuse of the knee joints.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis affecting the knees. This degenerative disease causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints due to the breakdown of cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, also can affect the knees and cause inflammation and pain.

Other Medical Conditions

Knee pain can be a symptom of other medical conditions such as gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Obesity is a leading cause of knee pain, especially as it relates to arthritis. These conditions cause inflammation or damage to the joints, leading to knee pain.

Age and Genetics

As we age, our bodies naturally experience wear and tear on the musculoskeletal system. This can make us more prone to developing knee pain and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. Genetics, or heredity, also factors into developing knee pain.

Non-Invasive Treatments for Knee Pain

Our providers recommend a number of non-invasive treatments for knee pain. Surgeries, such as knee arthroplasty, are a last resort in most cases. Here are just some of the quick and effective pain-relieving strategies which could improve how your knees feel and function.

RICE Protocol

First, always try the reliable and traditional RICE protocol:

• Rest from activities which precipitate pain.

• Ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off the knee.

• Compression with an elastic bandage or brace.

• Elevation of the painful knee above the level of the heart.

From there, you may wish to try including additional simple and effective pain control measures.

Pain Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen and topical anti-inflammatory preparations, can alleviate knee pain quickly.

However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage. While they can offer fast pain relief, over-the-counter pain relievers are not meant for long- term use.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can design a specific exercise program targeted for knee pain relief. It will include movements that help strengthen the muscles around your knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.

Heat Therapy

Alternating between a heating pad and an ice pack on your knee can reduce inflammation quickly and provide temporary relief from pain.

Proper Ergonomics

Stretch and keep a good posture whether you sit or stand to work throughout the day. A strong and healthy lower back helps avoid both knee and hip stress and the resulting pain and stiffness.

Corticosteroid Injections

Often recommended by orthopedic specialists, these injections relieve the inflammation that accompanies injury or arthritis in the knee. Relief happens quickly and can last for a few months. However, note that you will be limited to a certain number of these steroidal shots within a year.

Straighten Your Legs When Seated

Avoid sitting cross-legged or with your knees bent when seated in a desk chair. These positions strain the ligaments and other connective tissues in your knee joints. Be sure to stand up and stretch periodically as you work at your desk job.

Use a Pillow at Night

Placing a pillow between your knees to cushion them can help relieve painful pressure on your injured or arthritic knee. Orthopedic specialists also recommend sleeping on your side with your legs slightly bent rather than straight out.

Put Arch Supports in Your Shoes

Arch supports —either over-the-counter types or customized shoe orthotics —shift pressure away from your painful knees by cushioning every step and correcting any gait issues you may have. Wear these supports consistently for continued quick relief from knee discomforts.

Finding Relief from Knee Pain in O’Fallon, MO

At Advanced Bone and Joint, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons recommend people see them right away when knee pain persists and impacts day-to-day activities, independence, and comfort. We will work with you to create at an effective treatment plan that will help you live the life you want.

To learn more, call us today at (636) 229-7222 to schedule your personalized consultation, or request a visit here. We have fully staffed locations in O’Fallon, St. Peters, and Wentzville, MO. We look forward to helping provide you with the knee pain relief you need!