What Should I Take For Knee Pain

Chronic Degenerative Meniscal Tear

If you’ve experienced swelling, joint pain, and a sensation that your knee is sticking or locking, the problem could be a chronic degenerative meniscal tear.

A meniscus is a rubbery cartilage cushion in your knee that helps to pad the joint. Each of your knees has two of them. “Sometimes these structures are torn during an injury, but in degenerative cases, the cartilage just becomes frayed and worn over time, resulting in a breakdown or tearing of the tissue,” says Dr. Breslow. When a meniscus is frayed, ragged edges or loose pieces may get stuck in the joint when it’s moving, causing a sensation that your knee is locking up. If this is happening, be sure to see your doctor.

How to treat it: Surgery is no longer the first-line treatment for this condition, says Dr. Breslow. “It used to be that most people got referred for an arthroscopic procedure to remove the torn meniscus or repair it,” she says. “But now research is showing that, in many cases, the condition can be treated non-operatively just as effectively.”

Clinicians are now more likely to recommend treating the condition with physical therapy. As is the case with patellofemoral pain syndrome, building up the muscles around the joint and in other parts of the body can ease pain, without the risk of complications. However, you may need surgery if a piece of the meniscus is interfering with the motion of the joint.

What Medical Conditions Cause Knee Pain

Medical conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can affect any joint in the body. It can cause severe pain and disability, as well as swelling.

Gout is a form of arthritis that is most commonly found in the big toe, though it can also affect the knee. Gout tends to flare up and is extremely painful during the acute episodes. When there is no flare-up, the knee can be pain free.

With , the knee joint can become infected this leads to pain, swelling, and fever. This condition requires antibiotics and drainage treatments as soon as possible.

Chronic use/overuse conditions

Patellar tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons connecting the kneecap to the shinbone . Patellar tendinitis is a chronic condition often found in individuals repeating the same motion during exercise .

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is caused by degeneration or stress under the kneecap where it meets the thighbone . Patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs in runners and cyclists.

Osteoarthritis: a wearing down of cartilage of the joint due to use and age

Prepatellar bursitis: Inflammation to the bursa in front of the kneecap may cause anterior knee pain.

Other causes

Is Your Diet Important

Your diet also plays an important role in the overall health of your joints. If you want your joints to be healthy, eat foods rich in Vitamin D. These foods are great for your knee joints.

Furthermore, foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids can also work wonders. But there are some people who struggle with incorporating healthy nutrients in their diet. In this case, taking supplements is highly recommended.

Athletes rely on joint supplements to support the overall health of their joints. They believe that taking supplements is the most effective way to provide essential nutrients to their body in order to stay active.

These supplements are also very useful for those who have suffered from injuries related to joints and are struggling with the pain. They provide fast, safe, and effective relief from joint pain.

Also Check: How To Whiten Knees Fast

How Effective Are Rosehip Supplements For Knee Pain

The results from three studies, involving 287 people with osteoarthritis found that taking rosehip extracts for an average of 3 months significantly reduced joint pain. Those taking rose hip extracts were twice as likely to respond to treatment than those taking placebo.

Significant improvements in morning pain and stiffness, sleep quality, mood, energy and well-being were also seen, as well as a reduced need for rescue medications such as tramadol, codeine and paracetamol.

Over eighty per cent of people taking rosehip extracts report noticeable benefits in pain and stiffness within three weeks, and the level of pain relief in clinical trials is equivalent to that achieved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol and aspirin .

Osteoarthritis Of The Knee: Which Painkillers Are Effective

Osteoarthritis pain can often be treated effectively with anti-inflammatory painkillers. But higher doses are often needed. Due to the possible associated risks, its recommended that the painkillers be taken as needed rather than all the time.

Osteoarthritis is typically treated with painkillers known as non-steroidal . These medications have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. Examples of NSAIDs include diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen. Two other anti-inflammatory painkillers with a similar effect are celecoxib and etoricoxib. These are . They are taken as tablets or directly applied to the painful joint in the form of a gel or cream.

Some NSAIDs can be bought at pharmacies without a prescription for example, to treat a headache or menstrual pain. To achieve noticeable pain relief in osteoarthritis, though, higher doses are often needed, and they have to be prescribed by a doctor.

Some people worry too much about the possible risks associated with painkillers. A few also worry about becoming dependent on them. But unlike opiate-based painkillers , NSAIDs and coxibs have no addictive effect. Other people worry that taking painkillers might prevent them from feeling alarm signals sent by their bodies. Theres no medical reason to worry, though: Chronic pain tells you much less about the condition of your joints than you might think.

Also Check: Dcf Compression Knee Sleeve

Hydrolysed And Unhydrolysed Collagen Supplements

The form of collagen found in joints is found in the diet, particularly in meat. The collagen used in supplements is either derived from marine sources , or from animals cartilage . Marine collagen peptides have a higher concentration of the amino acids needed for the production and repair of human cartilage .

Supplements can contain collagen in its original state , or in a hydrolysed or solubilised form.

• Unhydrolysed collagen contains large collagen molecules which must first be digested before they can be absorbed and used in the body.
• Hydrolysed collagen is in a body-ready form as it is pre-digested by protease enzymes to release small fragments that are more easily absorbed and used.

When you take a hydrolysed collagen supplement, it is rapidly absorbed into the circulation from which it is extracted by cells that need these building blocks and cartilage where it acts as a signal to trigger the synthesis of new collagen fibres.

As well as supporting joint health, collagen supplements have benefits on skin suppleness, elasticity and hydration to reduce the formation of skin wrinkles. Collagen also offers benefits for people with thinning bones as it is a bone scaffold protein on which calcium salts are laid down.

How Krill Oil Reduces Knee Pain

While plainomega-3 fish oils and cod liver oil are popular for preventing and treating knee pain, krill oil has the advantage of supplying long-chain, omega-3 fatty acids plus antioxidant pigments for an enhanced anti-inflammatory effect.

The long-chain omega-3s, EPA and DHA, are processed in the body to reduce formation of inflammatory substances known as leukotrienes. These omega-3s reduce inflammation, stiffness, swelling and, in people with different types of arthritis can reduce the number of painful joints, and the long-term need for pain killers.

Both the omega 3s and the antioxidants found in krill oil have an anti-inflammatory action which help to reduce joint pain, stiffness and swelling in people with rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. In a trial involving 90 people with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, levels of inflammation were reduced by 19% within 7 days, in those taking 300mg krill oil a day, and by 30% within 2 weeks. In those taking placebo, levels of inflammation increased.

As well as helping your knee pain, krill oil is beneficial for the heart and circulation, too.

Recommended Reading: Nano Knee Surgery Cost

How Effective Are Glucosamine And Chondroitin Supplements For Knee Pain

Prevention: Taking glucosamine supplements can preserve joint health by reducing cartilage breakdown, and maintaining the production of collagen in athletes involved in various sports, including soccer and bicycle racing.

Sports injuries: Research involving 106 athletes with an acute knee injury found that taking glucosamine , significantly improve knee bending compared with placebo. These improvements in mobility took 28 days to develop, as it takes time for damaged tissues to use these building blocks, and for them to enhance repair processes, so dont expect immediate results.

Osteoarthritis: Data from 54 studies, involving 16,427 people with knee pain due to osteoarthritis, found that glucosamine and chondroitin were more effective than placebo in pain relief and improving joint function. Both glucosamine and chondroitin reduced joint space narrowing, as seen on X-rays, to indicate that the progression of osteoarthritis was significantly slowed.

What Do I Need To Know About Knee Pain

Knee pain may start suddenly, or it may be a long-term problem. You may have pain on the side, front, or back of your knee. You may have knee stiffness and swelling. You may hear popping sounds or feel like your knee is giving way or locking up as you walk. You may feel pain when you sit, stand, walk, or climb up and down stairs.

Read Also: Whiten Knees Fast

What Conditions Can Exercise Help

Knee exercises and stretches can help relieve knee pain caused by many conditions, including these three that commonly affect older women:

Patellofemoral pain. This condition typically causes a dull, aching pain in the front of the knee thats made worse by daily activities, such as squatting, going up or down stairs, or standing up after sitting for a long period of time. The pain is caused by irritation of the cartilage underneath the kneecap when it does not glide or sit properly. Exercise can help to eliminate problems that lead to this irritation. Stretches can loosen tight muscles on the side of the knee that may be pulling the kneecap out of its groove as it moves. Strengthening weak hip muscles or stretching tight muscles in the front or back of the legs can also reduce discomfort.

Chronic degenerative meniscal tears. When one or both pads of cartilage that cushion each of your knee joints deteriorates or tears, you may feel pain and a sticking or locking sensation. While surgery is sometimes necessary, doctors usually first recommend physical therapy to help build up the muscles around the knee to take the pressure off the joint and reduce discomfort.

Understand Your Knee Pain

When you suffer from knee pain, it can feel like youve been robbed of the things you love to do most. Understanding your knee pain is the first step in figuring out how to get back to doing what you love the best you can. See your doctor first to get a diagnosis as many conditions can cause knee pain.

THE BASICS OF KNEE PAIN

Your knees they’re among the most important joints in your body. They support your weight and provide stability and a hinge to help keep your body moving. But, between standing, walking, running, jumping, crouching and turning, its easy to see how there are plenty of ways to experience knee pain. Remember: see your doctor first before you begin any treatment of if your pain gets worse or persists.

WHAT’S BEHIND IT?

Some causes of knee pain include:

• Injuries. Some common injuries include fractures in the knee bones, a torn meniscus , patellar tendinitis , and a torn ACL , just to name a few.
• Mechanical Problems. Some examples include a dislocated knee cap IT band syndrome and a loose body, or “floating” piece of bone or cartilage that breaks off in the joint space.

Don’t Miss: Dcf Knee Compression Sleeve

How Is Arthritis Of The Knee Treated

Healthcare providers can’t cure knee arthritis. But they have some tips that might reduce the severity of your symptoms and possibly stop the arthritis from getting worse, including:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise using low-impact activities instead of high-impact activities . Aim for about 150 minutes of exercise per week.
• Wear shock-absorbing inserts in your shoes.
• Apply heat or ice to the area.
• Wear a knee sleeve or brace.
• Physical therapy exercises that help with flexibility, strength and motion.
• Use a cane.

Most people have stage 4 arthritis when they get surgery.

The Best Supplements For Knee Pain

Whether your knee pain is due to a sports injury or knee arthritis, the following supplements can reduce knee pain, knee stiffness and improve how your knees function in other words how well you can carry out every day activities like going up-and-down stairs, walking, getting in and out of the bath and even putting on your socks.

My knee joint

• Boswellia
• Cherry

I know these supplements can reduce knee pain from personal experience, from reviewing the published research, and from seeing an X-ray of my right knee taken after a ski fall. Apart from some laxity from damaged ligaments my joint space looks great with no obvious signs of osteoarthritis, which I attribute to long-term use of glucosamine and chondroitin, krill oil, and vitamin C.

For treating the knee pain due to damaged ligaments, I added in turmeric, collagen and ginger with excellent results.

Different supplements work for different people, however, depending on the genes you have inherited. Some respond to glucosamine alone, but in my clinical experience most people benefit from taking both glucosamine plus chondroitin.

Combination supplements that blend ingredients for a synergistic effect can tackle knee pain through different mechanisms.

If you are not getting the degree of pain relief you hoped for after 6 weeks, you can either swap to a different treatment or add in another supplement.

Don’t Miss: How To Use Ginger For Knee Pain

Nonsurgical Management Of Knee Pain In Adults

BRANDON Q. JONES, MD CARLTON J. COVEY, MD and MARVIN H. SINEATH, JR., MD, Nellis Family Medicine Residency, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

Am Fam Physician. 2015 Nov 15 92:875-883.

Patient information: See related handout on knee pain, written by the authors of this article.

• References

Knee pain affects approximately 25% of adults, limiting function, mobility, and quality of life.1 The prevalence of knee pain has increased 65% over the past 20 years,1 with an estimated 4 million primary care visits per year attributed to knee pain.2 Knee symptoms are the 10th most common reason for outpatient visits.3 Recent studies support nonsurgical management for common knee diseases, such as osteoarthritis and meniscal disease.46 Although there are many causes of and treatments for knee pain, this article focuses on the evidence supporting nonsurgical interventions for typical causes of knee pain in adults: osteoarthritis patellofemoral pain syndrome and meniscal, tendon, and ligament injuries .

SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Exercise-based therapy is the first-line treatment for knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome, in addition to weight loss, if necessary, for those with osteoarthritis.

SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Exercise-based therapy is the first-line treatment for knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome, in addition to weight loss, if necessary, for those with osteoarthritis.

Physical therapy and weight loss

Physical therapy

How Knee Pain Can Affect You

Knee pain is more common as you get older, due to years of wear and tear, if you are overweight , or if you play sports. Because your knees are vital to movement, knee pain can stop you from playing sports and make it difficult to carry out simple activities, such as walking and climbing stairs.

*Knee : Images, Function, Ligaments, Muscles. 2016. Knee : Images, Function, Ligaments, Muscles. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/picture-of-the-knee. . ** GSK Global Pain Index Research 2014 full report p. 47

You May Like: My Knees Crack When I Squat

Bioschwartz Pain Relief Supplement

The BioSchwartz Pain Relief Supplement works by removing the free radicals in the body that can cause inflammation.

Made from natural ingredients that are safe and effective enough to minimize inflammation in the joints, this supplement is what you need to keep your joints healthy and strong.

The makers behind it believe that inflammation is the number one reason behind the pain in the joint, which is why they made this product using powerful anti-inflammation ingredients.

It works by reducing the inflammation in the body in order to reduce knee joint pain. Plus, it keeps the body protected against harmful free radicals.

The BioSchwartz supplements work by increasing the level of proteolytic enzymes in order to minimize inflammation in the joints.

These enzymes will inhibit the inflammatory agents not only in your joints but in some other parts of your body as well.

• Pros

What Else Could It Be

If you are still not sure what is causing your severe knee pain, visit the knee pain diagnosis section where we help you work out what is going on by thinking about the location of the pain e.g. front, back or side of the knee.

Alternatively, in the knee symptoms guide we look at other symptoms typically linked with knee pain such as pain when running or bending, knee locking, sharp pain or pain on the stairs. And remember, if you are suffering from severe knee pain, get checked out by your doctor as soon as possible.

Page Last Updated: 10/06/21

You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Knee Fat And Cellulite

What Causes Arthritis Of The Knee

Experts have identified some genes that might cause arthritis, including arthritis of the knee. They predict that there are more genes not yet discovered. You could have a gene linked to arthritis without knowing it and a virus or injury could trigger arthritis of the knee.

Though the cause is unknown, some risk factors increase the possibility of arthritis of the knee. Risk factors of osteoarthritis, specifically, include:

• Age. Osteoarthritis happens to older adults more often than younger adults and children.
• Bone anomalies. Youre at a higher risk for osteoarthritis if your bones or joints are naturally crooked.
• Gout. Gout, also a type of inflammatory arthritis, might lead to osteoarthritis.
• Injuries. Knee injuries can cause arthritis of the knee.
• Stress. A lot of stress on your knees from jogging, playing sports or working an active job can lead to osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Weight. Extra weight puts more pressure on your knees.