Knee pain

Fact Checked

Knee pain is a common problem affecting people of all ages. Knee pain is caused by injuries such as a ruptured ligament or a torn cartilage as well as other conditions such as gout, arthritis and other forms of infections can also cause knee pain.

Symptoms

• There is redness and warmth of the affected area when touched
• Swelling and stiffness
• Inability to straighten or flex the knee
• Popping or crunching can be heard on the affected knee
• Weakness and instability
• Numbness of the affected leg and difficulty in standing or walking.
• Pain when placing weight on the knee
• Deformity of the leg or knee
• Fever

  

Causes

• Knee pain can be caused by the weakened structure of the bones
• Wear and tear due to aging of a person
• Injuries to the ligaments, fractures and meniscus injuries
• Stiffness of the joints due to arthritis, lupus and some chronic ailments

Treatment of knee pain

• Take plenty of rest. Minimize performing regular activities in order to help lessen repetitive straining of the knee and also help promote fast healing of the injury and prevent making the condition worse.
• Applying an ice pack on the affected knee helps lessen pain and inflammation. The cold helps in constricting the blood vessels, lessen flow of blood in the area and reduce the swelling. Wrap a few ice cubes in a towel and apply the compress on the affected knee area for at least 10-20 minutes for 2-3 times every day until the pain is minimized. If ice is not available, a bag of frozen peas is an alternative.
• Wear a compression bandage that is lightweight, breathable and self-adhesive. The compression should be tight enough and help support the knee without disrupting the blood circulation in the area.
• Elevate the affected knee on a couple of pillows or sit in a recliner in order to help lessen the swelling.
• Using apple cider vinegar to minimize knee pain. It helps dissolve the accumulation of harmful toxins found within the joint of the knee and restores lubricants for the joint that helps to lessen pain and restore proper mobility of the affected knee. Mix 2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of filtered water. Sip this mixture every day until the injury is totally healed.
• In a bath tub filled with hot water, mix it with 2 cups of apple cider vinegar and mix them well. Soak the affected knee in the solution at least for 30 minutes every day for a few days.
• Epsom salt has magnesium sulfate that helps lessen the pain in the knee. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant that helps eliminate excess fluid from the tissues and lessen the swelling, inflammation and pain.

FACT CHECK

https://www.medicinenet.com/knee_pain_facts/article.htm

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/default.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849