The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body. It is also one of the most worked joints in the body. Knee stability is maintained by the four ligaments, the muscles and the complex joint structure. On a day to day basis, the knee is constantly pressed into service, from simple body movements like standing or sitting to exerting motions like running, dancing and exercising. The knee constantly experiences a range of movements and motion like twisting, bending, straightening through the day. In addition, the knee also supports the body weight.
As a result of constant use and constant stress, the knee is prone to wear and tear and injury. Knee pain can affect any of the many parts of the knee. It can have a negative impact on the ligaments, tendons, the cartilage, muscles or the bone forming the joints themselves. In case of minor knee pain, massaging the knee cap with deep heat ointment can ease the pain. If the condition is more severe, so is the pain. In such cases it is important to visit the doctor for an effective treatment plan.
Symptoms for Knee Pain
Knee injuries and conditions manifest in pain (this pain can range from nagging to acute); trouble and discomfort when undertaking regular day to day activities like walking; inflammation and tenderness around the knees; instability resulting in the knee constantly giving way; locking, grinding and popping of the knee; in some cases the knee joint becomes stiff and hampers normal mobility; if knee pain is prolonged, it can put tremendous pressure on the lower back causing pain and body aches.Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain, injuries and conditions can be caused due to a number of reasons. Traditionally the most common cause of knee pain was old age or injury, today however knee pain can be caused by a variety of illnesses, the most common being arthritis (especially septic arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis), ligament injuries, tendinitis, injuries to the cartilage, injury to the fluid sacs around the knee caps (bursitis), dislocation, hyperextension of the knee, etc.
Home Remedies for Knee Pain
Knee injuries and conditions can hamper quality of life. In extreme cases the injury may require surgery. In other cases it might need constant rehabilitative therapy. If you suffer from constant knee pain, you can speed recovery by practicing some simple home remedies.
• Oil massages have traditionally been hailed as the ideal treatment for aches and pains. Take half a cup of oil, you can use coconut or olive oil, warm it up slightly and massage it onto the affected knee. The oil and circular movements of the massage eases inflammation around the knee and also improves blood flow to the region, easing the pain.
• The R.I.C.E treatment is highly recommended when knee trouble flares up. This program of resting the knee, applying ice, compression and keeping the leg elevated and burden free, helps ease the pressure on the knee.
• Certain herbs like cat’s claw, devil’s claw and boswellia are known to ease pain and inflammation.
• Excess weight can burden the knees. If you have a weight issue, it is recommended to join a weight loss program. When doing so, be sure to inform your trainer of your condition. This is important as you would need to avoid certain exercises that might stress your knees but at the same time can undertake strength building measures.
Diet for Knee Pain
Knee injuries and conditions can further be stabilized by undertaking a proper balanced diet. Include at least eight glasses of water, green vegetables and fruits in your meal, while limiting intake of fat, sodium, alcohol and processed sugars.
Other Suggestions for Knee Pain
Knee injuries and conditions can also greatly benefit from complementary rehabilitative therapies like yoga, massages and acupuncture. These help strengthen the knee and improve blood flow to the region; they are also very effective in easing pain.
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