Causes
Knee pain is a common ailment for many, and if you are one of them, it can seriously restrict your lifestyle. But knee pain shouldn't stop you from getting the exercise you need to stay healthy and fit.
The knee is a complex joint that joins the femur to the tibia. Cartilage covers their surfaces, providing you with protection and cushioning when you walk.
Additionally, the knee has two cartilage pads called menisci that act as shock absorbers and provide stability to the joint. When these pads tear due to injury or age-related wear and tear, you can suffer from knee pain.
Other possible causes of knee pain include arthritis, which can affect any joint. It is essential to seek medical help for certain forms of arthritis; For example, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause severe discomfort and stiffness in the joints.
Treatment
Knee pain may indicate inflammation or damage to ligaments, cartilage or muscles. The doctor can diagnose the cause and provide treatments that relieve the symptoms.
The initial step in treating knee arthritis is to let it rest as much as possible, to give the joint time to heal and reduce further damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, your doctor may suggest physical therapy or the use of an orthosis for additional support.
To reduce joint pain and swelling, apply ice. A bag of frozen peas or a bag of ice wrapped in a towel can be very effective for this purpose.
Compression can also be beneficial. Helps keep joints aligned and stable by preventing fluid buildup in damaged tissues.
Prevention
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, and getting plenty of exercise are effective ways to prevent knee pain. For overweight people, these measures can help reduce the chance of developing osteoarthritis or another degenerative joint disease that affects the knees.
Strengthening and keeping leg muscles, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings, strong can protect the knee joints. Balance and stability exercises also help reduce stress on this joint.
Avoid strenuous exercises, such as running and jumping, which overload your knees and can aggravate pain. Instead, opt for lower-impact activities, such as biking or swimming, that don't overload you.
