Contents:
- Medical Video: How to Manage Knee Pain: Dr. Natalie Voskanian
- Treatment for knee pain
- Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Analgesic
- Natural treatment for knee pain
- Ginger Extract
- Turmeric
- Willow bark
- Alternative medicine
- Sports and weight management
- Hot and cold compress therapy
- Tai chi
- Home care tips for knee pain
Medical Video: How to Manage Knee Pain: Dr. Natalie Voskanian
Having knee pain causes difficulty in working, playing, and even living life. There are many options for treating knee pain, but depending on your severity and symptoms, you need patience to choose the best treatment for your pain. Here are some tips to help you treat knee pain and get a better life.
Treatment for knee pain
Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are drugs to reduce inflammation. This drug can be used in inflammation which depends 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 - a group of lipids made in the area 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 decreases and the pain also decreases.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are commonly known as steroids. However, this is not the type of steroid that athletes use to gain muscle mass and increase strength. The drug is anabolic steroids and also illegal drugs. Corticosteroids are synthetic chemicals intended to resemble cortisone hormones in the body. This drug reduces the production of chemicals that cause inflammation.
Corticosteroids can be taken orally or injected directly into the knee. However, you 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 drug is designed only to relieve pain. There may be some side effects that can arise such as abdominal pain or heartburn. If you cannot use NSAIDs due to allergies or kidney or liver problems, your doctor may recommend this medication.
Natural treatment for knee pain
Ginger Extract
Ginger is a natural painkiller that has been tested effectively. Ginger is available in various forms. The health benefits of ginger are proven to relieve abdominal pain 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 drugs for arthritis.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular spice in Indian cuisine that 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
Research has shown that the combination of the use of willow bark and other treatments for knee pain can relieve mild to moderate pain. Many people usually chew bark or brew it to make tea. However, you should use willow bark not excessively because it can be toxic in large quantities.
Alternative medicine
Sports and weight management
Daily exercise can reduce knee pain by keeping the joint active and preventing stiffness. The more you are overweight, the more pressure 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. Use an ice pack or hot water and apply it to the area of pain you can effectively reduce pain.
Tai chi
Tai chi is an exercise to improve balance and flexibility. This activity also teaches you to focus and discipline your mind. Tai Chi can reduce pain and improve movement for those who experience knee pain.
Home care tips for knee pain
To manage knee pain at home, follow these tips:
- Rest your knees and avoid more workloads.
- Apply ice packs to the affected area to reduce pain.
- Compress, or wrap your knees to reduce swelling.
- Elevate your knees by placing a pillow under it.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
