If you have knee pain, you probably want to know how to relieve yourself without taking medicines. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do yourself to reduce the pain. These methods involve a combination of heat and cold. Heat can relax muscles and promote circulation, increasing overall blood flow. Cold can reduce swelling and inflammation while reducing blood flow to an area. Hot and cold therapies alternate hot and cold treatments, with a heat applied to the knee at the first sign of pain. You can also wrap an ice pack in a cloth and apply it to the knee several times daily, for at least 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can buy a ready-made ice pack for knee joint pain relief.
X-rays also diagnose certain conditions, including bone fractures and degenerative joint disease. Computerized tomography (CT) scans are also used to diagnose certain types of knee pain, including gout, which affects the big toe more often than other joints. An ultrasound exam is another option, which uses sound waves to produce real-time images of soft tissue structures. For severe cases, doctors may perform an arthrocentesis to collect fluid from the knee joint, which is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Different Alternatives for Knee Joint Pain Relief
Another alternative for knee joint pain relief is physical therapy. Physical therapy can help relieve pain by improving mobility, increasing range of motion, and reducing stiffness. The goal of physical therapy is to restore the full function of the joints and improve mobility. In addition to exercise, physical therapy can help you lose weight and reduce inflammation. These methods are effective in knee joint pain relief without the use of medicines. If none of these methods work, you can consult with a doctor to determine which one is best.
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese form of mind-body exercise that can help reduce pain. It involves deep breathing and relaxation. Tai chi, for example, improves flexibility and balance. If none of these approaches work for you, talk to a physical therapist to develop a customized exercise program. They will work with you to develop a workout program to maximize your results.
Apply Cold or Heat Packs
Another method is to apply cold or heat packs to the affected area. Cold packs help relieve inflammation and knee joint pain relief. To apply cold, wrap a bag of ice or frozen peas over the affected area. Wrap the bag in a towel to prevent damage to the skin and nerves. Heat can also be used, but it should be applied for at least 15 to 20 minutes to get the best results.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used for knee joint pain relief. Some can be bought over-the-counter or ordered online. NSAIDs are an alternative to opioids, but they carry serious side effects. NSAIDs can increase blood pressure and stomach irritation and can cause bleeding ulcers. However, they are only effective in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain in the short term.
Dietary Supplements
Another treatment for knee pain is dietary supplements. A good source of glucosamine is fish oil. Another is green tea. Both contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Finally, you can take vitamin D. You may be lacking this important nutrient. These supplements can reduce pain associated with joint inflammation. However, it’s best to consult your doctor before beginning any new treatments, as some can interact with other medications.
Simple pain relievers are also helpful in alleviating the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, and naproxen (Aleve) are available without a prescription. NSAIDs help reduce inflammation and knee joint pain relief. You can also use NSAIDs prescribed by your doctor. They work just as well.
Final Thoughts
Injections are another option for knee joint pain relief. These injections are often a stepping-stone between oral medication and surgery. Hyaluronic acid, which your body produces naturally, can help lubricate the joint, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is another option. The main drawback to these injections is that they are not permanent solutions, and you might need to repeat them every few months. You should not exceed four injections per year.