How To Treat Arthritis In Knee At Home

What Are The Symptoms Of Knee Arthritis

While knee pain can certainly affect patients without arthritis, there are some classic knee arthritis symptoms to keep an eye out for. These can include:

• Chronic or recurrent pain
• Stiffness, often upon waking or after sitting for a long period of time
• Limited mobility

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to be evaluated by a qualified provider to obtain a definitive diagnosis and find out what treatment options are available to help relieve your discomfort. During your initial consultation for knee arthritis in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Williams will thoroughly evaluate your joints and perform any necessary imaging studies to determine whether arthritis may be affecting you.

Types Of Knee Arthritis

There are many types of arthritis of the knee, but by far the most common is osteoarthritis, followed by rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis can occur as we get older, from around mid-40s onwards, or can sometimes happen as a result of a knee injury or other joint problems.

Arthritis means the cartilage of the joint is thinning and becoming rougher, making the joint muscles and ligaments work harder. More advanced arthritis can mean the cartilage is worn away entirely.

Osteoarthritis usually occurs in joints in the hands, hips, and knees.

Sprains Strains And Injuries

Sprains and strains happen when tissues in the knee become stretched by unusual or increased activity, or an awkward twist or trip.

PRICE, described above, should lead to a reduction in pain and improved movement within days, and a gradual improvement over the weeks to follow.

A sprain often resolves itself, but some problems can require more treatment. For example, an injury to the pad of tissue in the knee joint known as the meniscus may require surgery.

You May Like: What Is The Normal Dose Of Methotrexate For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Risk Factors For Knee Pain

Anyone with knees can have knee pain, but there are some risk factors that increase your chances. Carrying extra weight is a primary risk factor, as is having a job that places lots of stress on the knees. Professional athletes and enthusiastic amateurs alike are all at risk of knee pain due to wear-and-tear and injury also.

Other risk factors include:

• Lack of flexibility or strength in supporting muscles

Consult A Physician When Necessary

The knee may need immediate medical attention in the event of a sudden injury, such as one caused by a road accident or a fall.

You should have your knee checked by a doctor if there is considerable pain, deep cuts, swelling, or if you cannot move your leg.

Other knee problems require an examination by a doctor if:

• Lasts for a long time
• Progression of deterioration
• Disrupts daily life

In the event of red, tender, warm, and swollen knee joints, it is important to visit your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms such as persistent pain, involvement of other joints, and morning stiffness may indicate rheumatoid arthritis. As well as for the actual disease, doctors can also prescribe medications to treat the pain associated with it.

When a swollen knee is very hot and painful, and when there are other general symptoms of feeling unwell, its time to seek medical attention immediately. There is a possibility of infection, which can result in severe health complications. This requires immediate hospital treatment.

When a person is receiving medical treatment for knee pain, they should contact their doctor if problems get worse or if there are any problems with the treatment, like a drug side effect.

You May Like: Is Peanut Bad For Arthritis

Get Better Z’s For A Natural Treatment For Arthritis

It can be tough to sleep if you have joint pain, but improving your sleep could actually be a good treatment for osteoarthritis. According to a study published in February 2014 in the journal;Sleep, researchers who worked with 367 adults with osteoarthritis to improve their sleep found that cognitive-behavioral strategies to reduce;insomnia;appeared to both improve sleep and reduce pain.

Breath In Fragrant Spices

Pleasant aromas like lavender can alter the perception of pain, studies show. Japanese researchers found that lavender reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can make you feel relaxed and less aware of pain. But lavender isnt the only pleasant aroma that works as a natural home remedy for arthritis pain relief. Korean researchers found that arthritis patients experienced less pain and were less depressed when they were exposed to the aromas of a variety of kitchen spices, including marjoram, rosemary, and peppermint. For a pain-soothing aromatherapy treatment, add a teaspoon of one of these dried herbs to a quarter-cup of olive, coconut, or vegetable oil. Take a whiff periodically. Dont miss these other soothing;essential oils for arthritis pain relief.

Also Check: How Does Methotrexate Help Rheumatoid Arthritis

Make A Ginger Poultice

Applying crushed ginger to a painful join works along the same lines as capsaicinelements in the plant can deplete the bodys stores of substance P, a brain chemical that carries pain messages to your central nervous system. One study of 56 people found that ginger eased symptoms in 55 percent of people with osteoarthritis and 74 percent of those with RA. To treat yourself, peel and finely mince a 3-inch piece of fresh ginger. Mix it with just enough olive oil to form a paste, then apply it to the painful joint. Depending on where the pain is, you may need to wrap the paste in place with a gauze or a length of ace bandage. Leave in place for 10-15 minutes to allow the ginger to penetrate.

Keep Bc Arthritis Powder Stick Packs Handy

When you need quick pain relief at home or on the go, BC® Arthritis can help. It contains a higher dose of aspirin than in our original formula plus the same amount of caffeine to help stop minor arthritis pain fast. Powder pain relief absorbs quickly and our convenient, on-the-go, sealed stick packs let you slip one or two in your pocket or purse to take with you wherever you go.

As always, especially if you take other medications, talk to your doctor to make sure its okay to take BCÒ Arthritis occasionally too.

Don’t Miss: What To Eat To Avoid Rheumatoid Arthritis

How To Treat Arthritis In The Knees

This article was medically reviewed by Troy A. Miles, MD. Dr. Miles is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Adult Joint Reconstruction in California. He received his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2010, followed by a residency at the Oregon Health & Science University and fellowship at the University of California, Davis. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the North Pacific Orthopaedic Society.There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 58,611 times.

Research suggests that treatment may slow down arthritis and relieve your symptoms, though there’s no cure for it.XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source Arthritis occurs when your joint becomes inflamed, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in your joint wears away, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where your body attacks your joints. Experts say arthritis in the knee is very common because it’s a weight-bearing joint, but you can get arthritis in any joint.XResearch source Although arthritis may interfere with your life, you may be able to manage your condition.

The Right Spa Is An Effective Osteoarthritis Treatment

It may seem a bit frivolous, but going to the right spa has been shown to be an effective osteoarthritis treatment, according to a research review published in August 2015 in the;International Journal of Biometeorology. The researchers report that hydrotherapy, which involves soaking in very warm water or water containing minerals, can help relieve joint pain. Sulfur-rich mud baths are also a known;natural remedy for arthritis symptoms. But the mechanisms by which spa therapy works as treatment for osteoarthritis are not entirely clear.

Read Also: What Do You Do For Arthritis In Your Fingers

Tens Helps Reduce Pain With Osteoarthritis

TENS, short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, uses a handheld device that sends electrical charges to disrupt pain signals, usually through patches placed on your skin, according to the AAOS. A study published in August 2015 in;The Journal of Knee Surgery;found that three months of TENS use under a doctor’s guidance is good treatment for osteoarthritis as it reduces pain and improves function.

Ask your healthcare provider whether TENS might help your pain and how to properly use it at home, the ACR suggests. But TENS isn’t for everyone; it’s not an option if you have an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator, or if the cause of your pain has not yet been diagnosed, the AAOS says.

How Much Can I Walk With Knee Arthritis

Consistency and moderation are important when it comes to walking with arthritis in the knee. To begin with, patients are encouraged to do about 1015 minutes of light walking per day and eventually work their way up to 30 minutes per day. You can do one 30-minute walk or several shorter walks throughout the day. Follow these tips to ensure safety and comfort when walking with arthritis:

• Warm up: Lightly stretching and warming up the muscles is always a good idea before exercising. This helps prevent injury and is particularly beneficial for patients whose knees are stiff due to arthritis.

• Choose appropriate terrain: Make sure you choose an even walking surface, such as a track or mall, to avoid possible accidents or undue strain on the joints. While some doctors believe a very moderate incline is helpful for the knees, flat surfaces are just fine.

• Dont overdo it: Begin by walking short intervals at a moderate, comfortable pace. In the coming weeks, your body and joints will likely feel better and stronger, allowing you to increase the distance of your walks.

• Walk when your knees feel the best: While walking may help arthritis pain in the long term, it is important to try and walk when your joints are feeling their best. For example, if you wake up with stiff, painful knees, it may be best to wait until later in the day to begin your walk. Additionally, walking right after taking anti-inflammatory medications can help minimize any possible discomfort.

You May Like: How Do You Know You Have Arthritis

Easy Home Remedies To Treat Knee Or Joint Pain

As one ages, it starts reflecting on his/ her joints. And one of the common areas where the pain at times is excruciating is the knee. However, there could be other causes too which include heavy workout session, intensely played sport, and wear and tear due to age. Knee pain can be both short-term and long-term.;

If you do not want to pop in painkillers and are looking for natural alternatives for relief then surely this article is going to be a great help for you. We will discuss some common home remedies to get relief from pain.

Visit A Physical Therapist

Physical therapists work with your doctor to design specific exercises for knee rehabilitation. Many of these will focus on lengthening and strengthening the supporting muscles of the upper and lower legs, such as quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.

Even one visit to learn the proper form for knee arthritis exercises can help support your recovery.

Read Also: How To Ease Arthritis Pain In Fingers

How To Reduce Knee Pain At Home

In this article:

• Final Word

Knee problems are a common occurrence, and the extreme pain can hinder your daily activities, such as walking.

Most knee problems are a result of continual stress and old age, but injuries or sudden straining movements can also cause knee pain. The pain can range from a mild nuisance to a disabling impediment, and its intensity may increase over time.

This article lists simple things you can do at home to manage and prevent knee pain and inflammation.

How Does Arthritis Affect The Knees

The knee is commonly affected by arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis . You may notice pain and stiffness in your knee, particularly when you first get out of bed in the morning, after sitting for a long period, climbing stairs, walking, kneeling or even when youre just sitting still. Your knee might look swollen, or feel like it might give way or buckle.

There are many things that can help you manage arthritis of the knee. The first steps are regular exercise, weight loss and using medicines wisely.

You May Like: Is Smoking Bad For Arthritis

The Most Important Piece Of The Puzzle

If youre overweight or obese, the most effective treatment is weight loss. This isnt surprising. Every extra pound of weight adds two to four pounds of excess pressure on your knees.

Losing weight is probably the most difficult part of the treatment puzzle, but its also the most important, says Dr. Day.

A weight loss program should include both diet and exercise. Some people have difficulty exercising to lose weight because their knees hurt. But any type of exercise can help, even strengthening the upper body.

Use Hot And Cold Therapy

Heat and cold treatments can help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation.

• Heat treatments can include taking a long, warm shower or bath in the morning to help ease stiffness and using an electric blanket or moist heating pad to reduce discomfort overnight.
• Cold treatments can help relieve joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. Wrap a gel ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it to painful joints for quick relief. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
• Capsaicin, which comes from chili peppers, is a component of some topical ointments and creams that you can buy over the counter. These products provide warmth that can soothe joint pain.

Also Check: Does Walking Help Knee Arthritis

Selective Nsaids Vs Otc Nsaids

Selective NSAIDs:

• Do not block the production of a stomach-protecting compound called prostaglandin. Because of this, these drugs do not have the same adverse gastrointestinal side effects.
• Do not impact your bloods ability to clot, which makes them more appealing for individuals with bleeding disorders.

Both of these are a concern with OTC NSAIDs.

Home Remedies To Stop Knee Pain When Climbing Stairs

Natural and home remedies can also be used to ease Knee pain when climbing stairs. Here’s are few tips to get relief from Knee pain.

If you cant get through the day without suffering from knee pain when climbing stairs. Whether its a temporary muscle twitch, an old injury resurfacing or pain after an intense workout, it can make things difficult. Pain can last for a few hours or even for days at a time in the largest joint of the body. In these situations, it is imperative to determine the cause of the excruciating pain. Whenever you have knee pain, there may be several reasons why you may be experiencing that unbearable pain. In order to understand pain, lets look at its different types. For example, you may have had mild pain all day, and one morning wake up to find it gone. A knee injury is typically just painful aftermath of physical exertion in most cases, say experts. You can trigger knee pain with those intense workouts, a thrilling football game, or even with age-related muscle, bone, or tissue wear and tear.

Don’t Miss: How Do I Know If I Have Knee Arthritis

Find Chronic Knee Pain Treatment Near You

Several different things can help treat your knee pain without a visit to the doctor.

But if you are experiencing knee pain that wont go away or continues to get worse after using at home knee pain treatments, you should see a doctor right away so you can get relief from knee pain.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, complete a physical exam, and order imaging tests like x-rays or MRIs.

After an accurate diagnosis is made, they will discuss your treatment options.

Quick treatment can prevent short-term knee issues from becoming long-term, chronic pain.

No one has to suffer from chronic knee pain, especially when the Ethos Health Group is here to help.

Ethos Health Group has developed a proprietary HyalRegen-CT method as a comprehensive solution for those suffering from knee arthritis and pain.;

Lubricating injections can be performed under precision imaging guidance, so we know were targeting the right area precisely.;

This advanced medical process serves to add cushioning fluid back into the knee, like oil for a squeaky hinge.;

These FDA-cleared injections can help your knees stimulate more of their natural fluid, giving you long-term benefits and relief.;

This procedure is often combined with our regenerative injections that contain Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes.;

Most people with knee pain have heard of stem cell therapy, and they wonder if it could be an option to help them avoid surgery and get out of pain.;

Help For Arthritic Knees

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of pain and disability in knees. In the knee joint, smooth articulate cartilage, called surface cartilage, covers the ends of the femur and tibia . Between the two bones sits a second type of cartilage, called menisci, which acts as a shock absorber. Joint fluid also lubricates the knee joint.

Osteoarthritis starts as the lack or loss of surface cartilage, progressively involving the surrounding bone, tissues and synovial fluid. In OA, your knee cartilage may thin in spots or disappear completely, resulting in areas of exposed bone.

X-rays, MRI and;knee arthroscopy can help you and your doctor to determine the right treatment plan, which may include these noninvasive options.

Read Also: What Are Usually The First Signs Of Rheumatoid Arthritis