Exercises and stretching
Consult with your doctor to set up a treatment plan.
UNDERSTAND PAIN
Understanding Knee Pain
When you suffer from knee pain, it can feel like you’ve been robbed of the activities you love to do most. Understanding your knee pain is the first step in figuring out how to get back to doing what you love the best you can.
WHAT IS KNEE PAIN?
Your knees — they're among the most important joints in your body. They support your weight and provide stability and a “hinge” to help keep your body moving. But between standing, walking, running, jumping, crouching and turning, it’s easy to see how there are plenty of ways to experience knee pain. Remember: See your doctor first before you begin any treatment or if your pain gets worse or persists.
WHAT CAUSES KNEE PAIN?
Some causes of knee pain include:
- Injuries. Some common injuries include fractures in the knee bones, a torn meniscus (the rubbery cartilage between your thighbone and shinbone that absorbs shock), patellar tendinitis (inflammation and irritation of one or more tendons) and a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), just to name a few.
- Mechanical problems. Some examples include a dislocated kneecap; IT band syndrome (tightness of the iliotibial band of tissue running from the hip to the knee); and a loose body, or "floating" piece of bone or cartilage that breaks off in the joint space.
"Get back to doing what you love the best you can."
HOW CAN I GET RELIEF FROM KNEE PAIN?
Medication
Prescription and over-the-counter medications, like ALEVE®, can help relieve knee pain when used as directed. Just make sure you always check with your doctor before taking any medication.
Ice and compression
Compressing the area with bandages, in addition to applying ice 3-4 times a day for 10 minutes at a time, can keep swelling to a minimum.
Injections
These may include steroids for possible long-term pain relief, fluids that mimic the natural fluid that lubricates joints, and platelet-rich plasma to reduce inflammation and encourage healing.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be the best option, but it’s usually only considered after trying a variety of other things first. Only your doctor can make that determination.
Supporting therapies
See what else you can do to complement your treatment and relieve knee pain.
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