Your knees are powerhouse joints that bear a lot of weight. Walking, engaging in sports, or simply standing up places pressure on your knees. Too much strain can lead to knee pain.
Knee aches are a common problem experienced by people of all ages. However, the pain may worsen as you get older. Women ages 50 and older are more vulnerable to persistent, incident, or intermittent knee pain.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your aching knees.
Home Remedies
Not all types of knee pain require medical intervention.
When you feel that your knees are starting to ache, there are a couple of home remedies you can try to alleviate the pain.
Over-the-Counter Medicine
Taking medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands) can help provide relief to your aching joints. Another method is to apply numbing creams on your knees to ease your discomfort.
Keep in mind that even though these products don’t require a prescription, you should still practice due diligence. Follow the instructions and be wary of any warnings and side effects.
Self-Care Measures
Besides taking medicine, there are other simple things you can do at home to help your aching knees. Here are some of the self-care measures you can take:
- Heat Packs Apply a heat pack or a hot water bottle on the painful area. The warmth can help relax the surrounding tissues.
- Ice Packs Ice treatment is an effective method to lessen inflammation and pain. You can use a frozen bag of peas or wrap some ice cubes in a towel. Remember to avoid using the ice pack for more than 20 minutes to prevent tissue damage.
- Compression Compressing your knees can help prevent fluid buildup. It can also maintain your knee’s alignment and stability. Use a breathable, lightweight, and self-adhesive bandage to wrap around your knee. Ensure that the bandage is snug but does not restrict circulation.
- Elevate Your Knees Propping your legs up on a pillow or sitting in a recliner chair can lessen the swelling on your knees.
- Rest Lastly, give your knees a break. Take a rest from strenuous activities. This will reduce the strain on your knees and give them ample time to recover.
Doing these home remedies can help provide relief from your knee pain. However, if you find that the pain persists or even worsens after a day or two, it’s time to consult a knee doctor.
Talk To A Knee Doctor
Some conditions and injuries can cause escalating pain, joint damage, and disability when left untreated. If your aching knees start to worsen over time, it could indicate that home remedies are insufficient. Many causes of knee pain can potentially lead to or indicate severe medical conditions.
Aside from worsening pain, here are the other symptoms to look out for. If you experience these symptoms over a long time, don’t hesitate to call a knee doctor.
- Unable to bear weight on one knee
- Difficulty in fully extending the knee
- A visible lump on your leg
Don’t risk any further damage to your knees. The symptoms you have now can signify an underlying condition. The best people to evaluate and diagnose the extent of your aching knees are medical professionals.
Take Preventive Measures
Whether your aching knees can be resolved at home or require the extended care of a knee doctor, it is important to practice preventive measures. Although it’s not always possible to avoid knee pain, the suggestions below may help keep injuries in line.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
One of the best care you can do for your knees is keeping the excess pounds at bay. Remember that any excess weight strains your knees. Aside from risking knee pain, you may also develop osteoarthritis.
Have An Active Lifestyle
Having weak muscles could be the cause of your aching knees. Regularly engaging in balance and stability training can strengthen your knees. Doing exercises that target your hamstrings and quadriceps can also help by relaxing the muscles around the area.
Physical Therapy
You can also undergo physical therapy. Physical therapy is a specialized field of medicine that can either help you in recovery or rehabilitation from injuries or surgery. A physical therapist can design a program that scientifically targets your precise needs.
Knee Doctors In Boynton Beach, FL
Your knees play an essential role in your movement and mobility. Hence, don’t take the pain around your knees — or any pain — lightly. Always consult a physician when your knee pain reaches over your tolerance.
Here at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, our team of medical experts is committed to giving the best knee care available. Our knee experts include trained orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. You’ll be getting personalized care that will help you target your aching knees.
Our highly-skilled doctors and cutting-edge technology can provide solutions that will help end your knee pain. If you have inquiries, call (561) 733-5888 to inquire about our services suited for you. We are looking forward to being your partner in combating aching knees.
