Are you constantly swallowing pain pills to get rid of an ache in your knee? If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than two million Americans were on prescription pain relievers in 2017. That averaged out to about 5,480 new patients every single day.
So, do you know how to deal with knee pain, or are you just winging it? For most people, home remedies and self-soothing techniques are always the first things tried. But what happens when those tactics don’t work? Better yet, what causes knee pain in the first place? Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Knee Pain?
If you want to know how to deal with knee pain, you must first understand what causes it. Meanwhile, realize that there are countless reasons your joints could be hurting. It’s important to take care of your health and see a chiropractor throughout the year for a gentle routine alignment.
Achy knees are never normal. Knowing how to deal with knee pain usually means avoiding these three things as much as you can:
#1. Overextending the Ligaments and Tendons
If you bend your knee too far in the wrong direction, it will do more than just cause you pain. In fact, it may cause permanent damage if it’s not looked at and treated accordingly. Plus, overextended or sprained knees can hurt for months if they’re ignored.
#2. Blunt Force Trauma to the Joint or Muscle
Sustaining a hard hit to your bones or muscles can cause major aches in your legs, ankles, and knees. The force may even fracture or break your body, causing chronic knee pain that can only be treated by a medical professional or chiropractic expert.
#3. An Injury Somewhere Else in the Body
Believe it or not, even a minor toe or foot injury can result in pains throughout your entire body. So, that knee problem could stem from a completely unrelated issue. Have a doctor conduct a physical or ask your chiropractor for a more holistic solution.
How to Deal with Knee Pain at Home
There is hope when you’re proactive about your health. Learn how to deal with knee pain the safe and natural way with these five tips:
#1. Watch for Inflammation
Knee inflammation is a primary sign of trauma. That means do not ignore it. Instead, follow these simple steps at home to reduce the swelling before contacting a doctor or chiropractor:
- Rest – Give your knee some time to rest, which means limiting your physical activity for a while.
- Ice – Apply something cold to your kneecap or leg muscles to decrease the swelling and alleviate some pain.
- Compress – Use a tight wrap to add pressure to the area and restrict the blood flow for about 5-10 minutes.
- Elevate – Lift your leg above your heart while laying down to increase blood flow back to your heart.
If the R.I.C.E. method doesn’t work or if your pain persists for more than two weeks, see a medical professional immediately.
#2. Do Gentle Stretches
The muscles that support your knee could merely need stretching. Tight or pulled muscles and pinched nerves are common culprits for severe knee discomfort. Perhaps the best way to deal with this kind of pain is to work it out with targeted physical therapies. Start light and increase the intensity as you go.
#3. Determine the Root Cause of Your Pain
While you’re self-soothing with natural remedies, be sure to pay attention to your habits and lifestyle. Any expert you deal with will ask for those details, so get ready with some helpful information. If possible, keep a diary of your symptoms and activities to help them determine the cause(s) of your discomfort.
DID YOU KNOW: The pain you feel in your knee could be caused by a pinched nerve somewhere in your leg.
#4. Keep Your Knee Wrapped Up Tightly with a Bandage
Since you can’t always sit for hours with your leg elevated and an ice pack on your knee, try wrapping it instead. A tight bandage can help restrict the blood flow in that area. The lack of blood flow can then reduce that throbbing sensation that’s driving you crazy. This tactic also helps decrease the need for OTC or prescription pain relievers.
#5. See a Holistic Chiropractor for an Adjustment
Chiropractors know how to deal with knee pain from a natural, medication-free standpoint. They can examine your body to determine the main cause of your discomfort. Then, they’ll offer several in-office solutions to help relieve your aches and correct the problem from the inside out.
For more information on how to deal with knee pain safely at home, give us a call today. Meanwhile, watch for signs of something more serious to prevent permanent damage.
When to Get Help for Knee Pain
Knowing how to deal with knee pain also means knowing when to see a doctor. If you experience chronic pain in one specific area, reach out to a professional. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask for help if you see swelling or discoloration around your knee.
Seek medical attention immediately if your knee or leg goes numb. Don’t dilly dally if you find it difficult to move the joints or muscles in your leg. And if you suffer any adverse reactions to at-home treatments or natural remedies, see someone right away.
Say Goodbye to Knee Pain ASAP
You may not be able to prevent joint pain completely, but you can still reduce its impact on your life. Doctors and chiropractors know how to deal with knee pain from various perspectives. That gives you several treatment options to consider and zero excuses for long-term discomfort.
Say goodbye to that nagging knee pain as soon as possible. And even if it comes back, at least now you’ll know what caused it and how to prevent it from getting so bad this time.