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Knee pain is something that millions of Americans deal with every day for a variety of reasons; it could be due to an injury, overuse, or an underlying health condition such as arthritis or tendinitis. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, and swelling of the knee, making it hard to participate in daily activities, or even walk.

The best treatment option depends on what is causing your knee pain, but here are five ways you can help ease your discomfort.

Rest

If your knee is bothering you, sometimes the best thing you can do is take some time off. Depending on the severity of your pain, rest could mean taking a break from strenuous activities – such as running, weight bearing activities, and playing sports – or getting off of your feet altogether.

Hot & Cold Treatment

Icing the knee helps with immediate pain relief and minimizes swelling by constricting blood vessels in the affected area and restricting blood flow. Applying a warm towel or taking a hot bath can reduce stiffness; for best results, alternate an ice pack with a heating pad every 15 minutes.

Oral/Topical Pain Relievers

When the pain becomes too much to handle, don’t be afraid to use medication (in moderation) to help deal with it. Over-the-counter options are available in both oral (pills) and topical (creams, gels, patches) forms.

Physical Therapy

If knee pain is an ongoing issue, it may be worth your while to consider physical therapy. A licensed physical or occupational therapist can discover the cause of your knee pain and design a program to fix it based on your individual needs and abilities.

Surgical Procedure

In some extreme cases, surgery is the best option to help reduce (or even eliminate) your knee pain. Whether it is due to a sports injury, degenerative cartilage, or a cyst, sometimes a surgical procedure is the only choice you have to make a full recovery.

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, every knee is different, and the best treatment option for one person may not necessarily be the best for everybody. If your knee is bothering you, schedule an appointment with one of the knee specialists at Orthopaedic Specialty Group. As Southern Connecticut’s largest orthopedic practice, our team of doctors have the knowledge and equipment necessary to get you healthy again. Visit our website for more information or call (203) 337-2600 to schedule your consultation.