Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help ease knee pain.
Some people find relief by rubbing the affected knee with creams that have a numbing ingredient, like lidocaine, or capsaicin, which is the thing that makes chili peppers feel hot.
Self-care steps for an injured knee include:
Rest
Take a break from your usual activities to reduce stress on your knee, give it time to heal, and avoid more damage. A short rest of one or two days may be enough for a small injury. More serious injuries may need longer recovery time.
Ice
Using ice can help reduce pain and swelling. A bag of frozen peas works well because it covers your whole knee. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to protect your skin. Although using ice is usually safe and helpful, don’t use it for longer than 20 minutes at a time because it can damage your skin or nerves. Why don’t you checkout knee pain treatment singapore for more detailed information.
Heat
Applying a heat pack or a hot-water bottle to the painful part of your knee may offer some temporary pain relief.
Compression
This helps stop fluid from building up in injured tissues and keeps your knee aligned and stable. Look for a compression bandage that is light, breathable, and sticks to itself. It should be snug enough to support your knee without stopping blood flow.
Elevation
To reduce swelling, try putting your injured leg on pillows or sit in a recliner.
Alternative Medicine
Some studies suggest that acupuncture can help relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture involves putting very thin needles into certain places on the body.
Preparing For Your Visit
You might start by seeing your family doctor.
Depending on the reason for your problem, they may refer you to a specialist in joint diseases (rheumatologist), joint surgery (orthopedic surgeon), or sports medicine.
What You Can Do
Before your appointment, you may want to write down answers to the following questions:
When did your symptoms start?
Did a specific injury cause your knee pain?
Have your symptoms been constant or occasional?
How bad are your symptoms?
What, if anything, helps improve your symptoms?
What, if anything, makes your symptoms worse?
What medications and supplements are you taking regularly?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:
Do you exercise or play sports?
Did the pain come from an injury?
Do you have any swelling, instability, or locking of the knee?
Are you experiencing symptoms in other areas, or just in your knee?
Have you had knee pain before?
If so, do you know what caused it?