Strengthening the muscles around the knee can also help improve stability and function. Exercises should be appropriate for the person’s condition and performed gradually. A physical therapist can provide an individualized program when knee pain is persistent or significant.
Maintaining a healthy body weight can also reduce stress on weight-bearing joints. Even modest weight loss may reduce the mechanical load placed on the knees during everyday activities.
Supportive footwear can make walking more comfortable as well. Shoes that fit properly and provide appropriate support may help reduce unnecessary stress on the lower limbs.
Pain medication may be appropriate for some people, but older adults should be particularly careful about using medications without professional advice. Certain pain relievers can interact with other medicines or may not be appropriate for people with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, cardiovascular conditions, or other health problems.
A doctor can determine whether the pain is actually caused by osteoarthritis and whether additional treatment is needed. Depending on the situation, treatment may include physical therapy, medications, injections, assistive devices, or other interventions.
Seek medical attention promptly if the knee suddenly becomes very swollen, hot, red, or severely painful, particularly if you also have a fever. You should also be evaluated after a significant injury or if you suddenly cannot put weight on the leg.
The good news is that knee pain does not have to mean giving up normal activity. Many people with osteoarthritis can remain active and improve their mobility through a combination of appropriate exercise, strengthening, weight management, pain control, and professional care.
A warm kitchen remedy may feel soothing, but claims that it can completely eliminate chronic knee pain in 15 minutes should be treated with caution. The safest approach is to identify the reason for the pain and choose treatment based on the actual condition affecting the joint.
If your knees are becoming stiff, painful, or increasingly difficult to use, getting the problem assessed can help you find a treatment plan that supports mobility rather than simply masking the symptoms.
See more on the next page
