Pain Relief For Knee Joint Pain

By Bert Clay

There are a variety of causes of knee pain, and they can affect people at different ages. It is one of the many reasons people look for joint pain relief. This pain can stem from overuse of the joint, from trauma or from disease.

It helps to understand where the knee pain is coming from in order to determine where to look for joint pain relief. It is a complex structure with components such as tendons, ligaments and menisci, all of which aid the joint in its function as well as helping to stabilize it. As the knee must bear the entire weight of the body and is subject to repetitive use, it is one of the most commonly injured.

If injury to the joint is slight, such as a minor sprain of a ligament, treatment may be simple, with ice, rest and elevation. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Tearing of the meniscus, a common sports injury, can also range from a minor tear to complete tearing of the tissue.

The tendons of the knee can be inflamed, known as tendinitis, and this can also have various levels of severity. Often, this can be treated with ice, rest and anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also require rehabilitative exercises. In very severe cases, such as rupturing of the tendon, surgery may be necessary.

Knee joint pain can also come from disease rather than trauma. A common disease affecting the knee is arthritis which can be either rheumatoid, an immune condition, or osteoarthritis, which is degeneration of the cartilage in the knee. Infections or tumors in this joint are rare.

Bursitis is another possible cause of knee joint pain. In this condition, the bursa in the knee becomes inflamed. It may be treated with ice, anti-inflammatories and immobilization. Strengthening the quadriceps muscles can also help. Chondromalacia, in which the cartilage softens, typically affects younger woman. As with tendonitis, ice, rest and anti-inflammatories can help relieve this condition. Developing the thigh muscles is often recommended as well.

Alternative therapies can also be sought for knee joint pain relief. As with other pain conditions, acupuncture has been found to help with knee joint pain. It may also help with the overall function of the joint but these treatments need to be received over a period of time. Herbal supplements or topical plasters may also be recommended by the acupuncturist. Other supplements that may be used are glucosamine and chondrointin which are thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect and even help repair cartilage.

Topical therapies such as ointments with arnica or menthol and eucalyptus may be used for joint pain relief. Also helpful are braces to keep the joint immobile and stabilized. These may be used to during the healing and rehabilitation stages.

If you absolutely must have surgery, take heart. Surgical techniques have improved greatly over the years. Whatever direction you take for joint pain relief, it is not something you have to endure.

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