Lifestyle and home remedies – Over-the-counter medications — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — may help ease knee pain. Some people find relief by rubbing the affected knee with creams containing a numbing agent, such as lidocaine, or capsaicin, the substance that makes chili peppers hot. 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. A bag of frozen peas works well because it covers your whole knee. You also can 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. Heat. You may experience temporary pain relief by applying a heat pack or hot-water bottle to the painful area on your knee. 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 injured leg on pillows or sitting in a recliner.
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What is the best product to relieve knee pain?
Drugs That Tame Inflammation Aspirin. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn)
What cream can I use for knee pain?
Are there topical pain products available by prescription? – Oral NSAIDs are a common treatment for osteoarthritis, but they can irritate the stomach. Topical NSAIDs, however, have a lower risk of stomach irritation. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several topical products (Voltaren, Solaraze, others) that contain the prescription NSAID diclofenac for the treatment of osteoarthritis in joints close to the skin’s surface, such as the hands and knees.
Is cold or heat better for knee pain?
When should you use heat? – When you use a heating pad or hot water bottle, blood flood increases. This makes it easier for oxygen and nutrients to reach your painful joints. Heat helps loosen tight muscles and joints and relieves pain and muscle spasms.
If you have swelling, it’s best to use ice for 24 hours, then switch to heat. If swelling isn’t a problem, it’s fine to use heat when you first notice knee pain. Although a heating pad can help you feel better, it can cause burns if you use it too long or the setting is too high. Don’t use the heating pad for more than 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
Top 7 Knee Pain Relief Treatments – Ask Doctor Jo
Stop using the heating pad sooner if it worsens your pain or your skin begins to look very red. If you don’t have a heating pad or hot water bottle, wet a washcloth, wring it out, then microwave it for 30 seconds. You can microwave the washcloth for a few seconds longer if it isn’t quite warm enough.
Will knee pain ever go away?
When to see a doctor – Knee pain will usually go away without further medical treatment, using only a few self-help measures. If you need help you might first see a physiotherapist or your GP. You may be able to access a physiotherapist on the NHS without having to see your GP.
You can find out if this kind of `self-referral’ is available in your area by asking at your GP surgery, local Clinical Commissioning Group, or hospital Trust. You might also have the option of paying to see a physiotherapist privately. You don’t need a referral from a doctor to do this. You might wish to see your GP if the pain is very bad or is not settling.
See a doctor if:
you’re in severe pain your painful knee is swollen it doesn’t get better after a few weeks you can’t move your knee you can’t put any weight on your knee your knee locks, clicks painfully or gives way – painless clicking is not unusual and is nothing to worry about.
It’s important not to misdiagnose yourself. If you’re worried, see a doctor.
How long will it take for my knee pain to go away?
Less severe knee injuries may heal on their own, but don’t wait any longer than 3-7 days for your knee pain to go away even if you feel your injury isn’t very severe. Knee pain is probably one of most common reasons to visit an Orthopaedic doctor.
What is the best over the counter medicine for knee inflammation?
What is a good supplement for joint pain? – Before you stock your medicine cabinet, here’s a rundown of the most widely used over-the-counter (OTC) treatments.
OTC pain relievers. For swelling, the best solutions are general pain relievers that reduce inflammation and don’t contain steroids. These pain medications are extremely common and include ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) and aspirin. OTC pain medications can help reduce pain, aches and/or inflammation. If you’re taking other medications, be sure to consult your pharmacist before using any OTC pain relievers.
If you don’t have swelling or inflammation, acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can help. Be careful to avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen, however, as it can cause liver damage.
Topical treatments. Available in cream, spray, rub or gel forms, topical pain relievers are applied to the skin of the affected area to help reduce pain and swelling.
“Medications that are applied directly to the sore area can include counterirritants that contain menthol or camphor, which counteract pain perceptions. These include products such as Icy Hot® and Biofreeze®.” The key ingredients active in these medicines include capsaicin and salicylates.
Hot or cold therapy. Hot and cold treatments can help decrease inflammation, pain and stiffness. Heat therapy includes dry heat (heating pads) and moist heat, like a hot bath or shower, and improves circulation and relaxes the muscles. Cold therapy, such as an ice pack or a cold compress, helps reduce swelling.
“In addition to traditional medication, heating wraps and pads can also be used to relieve joint pain and don’t have serious side effects,” says Dr. McElroy.
Vitamins and supplements. Glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate are common supplements that contain material found in the joints, which may assist with regeneration. Antioxidants, which are often found in supplements, can also help prevent and treat joint pain by reducing inflammation. Omega 3s are found in fish oil and regulate body functions that manage inflammation. Green tea is also a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
A lack of Vitamin D can also lead to joint pain. “It’s important that when treating your joint pain with traditional medication you also take advantage of natural remedies,” says Dr. McElroy. “Getting more sunlight — with sunscreen, of course — is one of the best ways to help yourself if you haven’t been getting out of the house enough.” The type of pain you have will determine the treatment that’s most appropriate.
