Many people have initial anxiety when knee pain becomes an issue as they feel they may eventually need surgery. This is certainly the case when the knee is severely damaged and surgery is recommended as a last resort. But, most knee pain can be managed effectively on your own. Dr. Matthew DeFroda from reNu Medical & Injury Center wants to help you avoid the need for surgery caused by knee pain in Newark, DE.
What are some causes of pain in the knees?
Knee pain can be a result of many different causes, including damage to ligaments, tendons, or bones from trauma or cartilage damage. Osteoarthritis (wear and tear to the joint) is a mechanical issue in the knee that may lead to pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect any joint in the body. Patellofemoral syndrome is another common cause of knee pain in which the patella (kneecap) is not tracking properly when the thigh is contracted and the kneecap knocks into the bottom of the thigh bone when being pulled up by contraction of the thigh muscles.
What are some non-surgical options for the management of knee pain?
Regular physical activity may be the best thing for the health of your knees. And it doesn't have to be much, you don't need to strive to be an elite athlete. A daily walk outside or on a treadmill will do wonders for the health of your knees. Some other approaches you can implement to combat knee pain are:
- Maintaining a healthy weight will lessen the stress placed on your knees.
- Avoid any known aggravating activities until your knees feel better.
- Heat and ice packs may help in the short term. Do not use either of these directly on your skin (wrap it in a towel), and place it on your knee for no longer than 15 minutes.
- Don't let your knee be in one position for long periods. When sitting for a while, bend and straighten your knee every half hour. Moving the joint around will help to prevent contractures (shortening of the muscles), and will aid in distributing the synovial fluid in the joint, which helps in lubrication and nourishment.
- Rehabilitation specialists will help in instructing and educating you about performing proper strengthening exercises and may recommend wearing a brace for a time.
- Wearing supportive footwear will decrease the stress placed on your knees.
- A trial of using over the counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or topical painkillers may help, but be sure not to engage in any aggravating activities because you feel less pain while these are in your system.
Contact us for more information
If the above conservative measures do not sufficiently lessen the pain, you need to see a doctor to thoroughly diagnose and treat the issue. Schedule a consultation with Dr. DeFroda from reNu Medical & Injury Center for your knee pain in Newark, DE by calling (302) 368-0124.