SYMPTOMS FOR KNEE PAIN
The location and severity of knee pain may vary, depending on the cause of the problem.
Signs and symptoms that sometimes accompany knee pain include:
• Swelling and stiffness
• Redness and warmth to the touch
• Weakness or instability
• Popping or crunching noises
• Inability to fully straighten the knee
Overuse injuries occur with repetitive activities or repeated or prolonged pressure on the knee. Activities such as stair climbing, bicycle riding, jogging, or jumping stress joints and other tissues and can lead to irritation and inflammation.
TREATMENTS:
Treatment will vary, depending upon what exactly is causing your knee pain.
THERAPY
Strengthening the muscles around your knee will make it more stable. Training is likely to focus on the muscles on the front of your thigh (quadriceps) and the muscles in the back of your thigh (hamstrings). Exercises to improve your balance are also important.
LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES
Self-care measures for an injured knee include:
• Rest. Take a break from your normal activities to reduce repetitive strain on your knee, give the injury time to heal and help prevent further damage. A day or two of rest may be all you need for a minor injury. More severe damage is likely to need a longer recovery time.
• Ice. Ice reduces both pain and inflammation. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to protect your skin. Although ice therapy is generally safe and effective, don’t use ice for longer than 20 minutes at a time because of the risk of damage to your nerves and skin.
• Compression. This helps prevent fluid buildup in damaged tissues and maintains knee alignment and stability. Look for a compression bandage that’s lightweight, breathable and self-adhesive. It should be tight enough to support your knee without interfering with circulation.
• Elevation. To help reduce swelling, try propping your injuired leg on pillows or sitting in a recliner.
