Chronic Knee Pain: What You Can Do to Seek Relief

 

Knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to move and carry out daily tasks. Whether it's a result of an injury or a chronic condition, ignoring knee pain can lead to more severe problems down the line. However, finding relief for chronic knee pain requires more than taking over-the-counter pain relievers. You need to know what's causing the pain and the right steps to take to prevent further damage to your knee joint. In this blog post, we'll discuss practical ways to manage chronic knee pain and when you need to see an orthopedic surgeon for treatment.

 

Reduce Knee Pain with Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a non-invasive way to combat chronic knee pain. Your physical therapist will create an individualized exercise plan that'll help you build strength in your leg muscles, restore mobility to the joint, and reduce the pain and inflammation. Some of the exercises may include low-impact activities like biking, swimming, and walking. Physical therapy can also improve your gait and balance, reducing your chances of falling and injuring your knees.

Apply Hot and Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy is a simple and effective way to alleviate knee pain. Applying ice packs to your knee can reduce swelling and pain caused by inflammation. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time and avoid placing the ice directly on the skin. On the other hand, heat therapy helps to increase blood flow to your knee joint, reducing pain and stiffness. You can alternately use heat and ice to manage chronic knee pain. Remember, always consult your doctor before applying any hot or cold therapy.

Wear Proper Footwear

Wearing the right footwear can go a long way in preventing knee pain. Shoes that are too high or too flat can put pressure on your knees, leading to chronic pain over time. Always wear shoes with good arch support and cushioning to reduce the pressure on your knees. If you're experiencing knee pain, avoid high-impact activities that require you to wear shoes that don't provide enough support. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga.

See an Orthopedic Surgeon

If your knee pain persists despite taking these measures, it's recommended to see an orthopedic surgeon. Advanced imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans can reveal any damage to the bones, ligaments, or cartilage in your knee joint. Based on your test results, your orthopedic surgeon will recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which could include injections, physical therapy, or surgery. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged knee joint.

 

Conclusion

Knee pain can be debilitating and affect your daily routine. However, there are various ways to alleviate knee pain and prevent further damage to your knee joint. Physical therapy, hot and cold therapy, wearing proper footwear, and seeing an orthopedic surgeon are some of the effective ways to manage chronic knee pain. If you're seeking an orthopedic surgeon in Lake Mary, FL, contact Central Florida Bone and Joint Institute today to schedule an appointment. Our physicians have years of experience in treating knee pain and will provide you with individualized care to ensure your swift and healthy recovery.