How to treat knee pain
There are many ways to treat knee pain. Varies according to the cause of the pain Whether medication Treatment, injection, surgery and alternative medicine
Taking medication. Doctors prescribe medication to relieve pain. And treat chronic diseases that affect knee pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout
Physical therapy treatment The doctor will recommend methods of strengthening the muscles around the knee. Especially the muscles in the front thigh and back thigh In some cases, the use of complementary devices to prevent and support the force that is applied to the knee, such as the use of paw support materials in patients with osteoarthritis. In addition, patients with knee pain should adjust behavior to reduce damage to the knee. Whether it is physical movement and playing sports in the correct posture Or exercise regularly
Injections sometimes, the doctor will recommend that the patient inject directly into the knee. The medication that most doctors use to treat knee pain is as follows.
- Hyaluronic acid is a fluid-like liquid that lubricates the knee in the body. The doctor will inject hyaluronic acid into the knee to relieve pain and help the knee to move better. Which the drug will be effective for about 6 months
- Corticosteroids Corticosteroids, doctors will inject corticosteroids to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, the effect of the drug may not be effective for all patients.
Surgery, although doctors will recommend that patients with knee pain undergo surgery. But in most cases, knee pain is not an injury that requires immediate surgery. Patients should study the effects of treatment before making surgery decisions. The surgery that the doctor may choose to use is as follows
- Laparoscopic surgery (Arthroscopic Surgery) Laparoscopic Surgery Can do by creating a small wound around the knee And insert a small tool with a camera into the knee To check for abnormalities and repair the knee joint, such as strengthening the tendons Orthopedic disc repair Removing bone fragments or cartilage
- Specific knee replacement surgery Is a surgery to remove an artificial knee Which is made of metal and plastic To replace the damaged knee joint only And is usually a small surgery The patient may take a short recovery time.
- Knee replacement surgery Is a surgery to remove an artificial knee joint made of metal Or high quality plastic To replace all bones and cartilage around the knee joint
Alternative medicine Currently, research has released information on new methods of treating knee pain. Giving patients more treatment options Whether using dietary supplements Or acupuncture
Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Research has shown that Glucosamine and condensed clay Which is a substance that is often used as a dietary supplement If eaten together Will be helpful to help restore the degeneration The results are clear in patients with moderate or severe pain.
Acupuncture is the use of small needles buried in various points along the patient's body. Whose research claims that Acupuncture may help relieve knee pain. Caused by osteoarthritis
Patients with mild knee pain and caused by mild causes May treat knee pain by yourself as follows
Taking medication. Patients may take medication under the supervision of a pharmacist, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, or napaporn.
Apply a cream that contains substances that cause numbness or heat sensation. Patients can relieve pain by applying cream that contains substances that cause nausea such as Lido Ken or substances that cause heat sensation on the applied surface, such as capsaicin.
Follow the "RICE" principle which is the 4 principles that should be followed when the knee is injured as follows
- Rest Patients should refrain from daily activities for a period of 1-2 days in patients with minor injuries. To give the body time to heal injuries and reduce the risk of injury
- Ice. Patients should compress the affected knee with cold gel. Or a towel wrapped in ice To reduce pain and inflammation You should not apply the compress for more than 20 minutes as it may affect the skin and the nervous system.
- Compression. Patients should wrap the fabric around the knee. Which is a lightweight fabric The air can pass through. And not wrapped too tightly To reduce the formation of fluid in the knee And the fabric will help keep the knees in normal shape
- Elevation. The patient should place the leg that causes knee pain at a high level to reduce swelling. Which may place the legs on the pillow Or sitting on a reclining chair that can adjust the height of the legs
Natural treatment of knee pain
Research has shown that there are many herbs that have properties to help treat knee pain as follows.
- Ginseng has been studied to find that ginseng has properties that help reduce inflammation, which may help reduce knee pain caused by joint inflammation. And also found that ginseng reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. However, these studies may still require additional human studies to confirm the benefits of knee pain. Of ginseng
- Tang Kui. Laboratory tests have found that Tang Kui contains more than two components that have the ability to repair cartilage. Which may help restore the symptoms of arthritis
- Lingzhi mushroom is an herb that helps reduce inflammation of the body. Often used as a component in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Especially autoimmune diseases Like rheumatoid arthritis
- Turmeric. Studies have shown that turmeric is anti-inflammatory and reduces the degeneration of the body. These properties may help prevent and delay the occurrence of osteoarthritis. However, the anti-inflammatory and delaying properties of turmeric also require additional human studies. To confirm the properties in the treatment of knee pain
- Jiaogulan, a laboratory study found that extracts from Jiaogulan have properties to help reduce inflammation of cartilage cells. Which may help to prevent and reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis
Knee pain prevention
Even the knee pain from an accident Which is a difficult event to anticipate May not be able to prevent But the knee pain is caused by other factors Most of them can be prevented. Which should act as follows
- Warm up and stretch your muscles before exercising or playing sports. Especially the muscles in the front thigh and back thigh To reduce the stiffness of the muscles around the knee.
- Build strong leg muscles By exercising that focuses on building strength for the leg muscles such as walking up stairs Cycling Or playing magic on the legs.
- During sport or exercise Should avoid sudden changes in postures or directions.
- Maintaining the weight within the standard To reduce the pressure on the knee due to excess body weight.
- Wear shoes that are perfectly sized and suitable for the feet. To maintain the balance of the legs while walking or running In addition, patients with flat feet or those with flat feet May be at risk of knee injury Which can result in knee pain Should wear shoes especially for people with flat feet.
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