Knee pain and how to manage it
Knee pain can arise due to a variety of reasons including trauma injuries. Often we do not even realize how much pressure we are exerting on our knees on a daily basis. However, the most common reason of knee pain is inflammation in the knee joint. This usually occurs when we overuse the cartilage present in our knees. If this inflammation is ignored, the cartilage responsible for the movement of our knees will swell, which will simulate chronic pains..
Everyone knows just how disabling knee pain can be and how it can hamper the prospect of living a fulfilling life. What we have to realize is that with time this pain will not subside but will actually intensify and if left unattended there is a very high chance that you will be stuck with this pain for the rest of your life.
This is exactly why it is imperative that every individual immediately seeks professional help the moment they succumb to knee pain. However, at the same time you can reduce the amount of pressure exerted on your knees by changing your daily routine. Our daily routine takes a toll on every joint present in our body, but the highest amount of stress is exerted on our knees.
In order to help people ease the amount of stress they exert on their knees on a daily basis, we have articulated a list of tips.
Strengthen your muscles to minimize knee pain
Strengthening muscles of thigh and hip as well as core muscles is the best approach to prevent or manage knee pain. Wearing knee support can probably assist in remaining active while reducing stress on knee joints. However, bracing should not be replacing muscle strengthening. Of course you cannot always wear a knee brace, but whenever you are involved in strenuous activities, you may consider wearing a knee brace as an extra support. The added support provided can save you from a lot of pain. Discuss an exercise program with an orthopaedic physiotherapist for a preventative and management approach to knee pain.
Maintain your weight
Every extra pound you put on increases the chances of you contracting knee pain, therefore try to maintain optimal weight that is perfect for your body type. Maintaining your weight is not easy, but you have to understand that being overweight puts a substantial amount of pressure on your knees. So check your body type and maintain your weight in order to minimize the stress on your knees.
Eat healthy
Remember you are what you eat, so make sure you are consuming the required minerals and vitamins on daily basis. Eating healthy will not only make you feel better but will also ensure that your body receives the required vitamins and minerals to function at its optimal level. We recommend increasing your calcium intake to help strengthen your bones and reduce the chances of knee pain or injuries.
Stretch and have less knee pain
Stretching in the morning is one of the best measures you can take in order to reduce the chances of knee pain. We would recommend stretching in the morning before you start your daily routine, this will help prepare your knees, joints and muscles for the rest of the day. Stretching in the morning will make sure each joint in your body is prepared for the rest of the day and will reduce the risk of knee injuries by a substantial margin.
Finally following all of these tips mentioned above will help improve the integrity of knees without compromising on your daily activities.
Many evidence based exercise and educational programs provide effective and long lasting relief to patients dealing with knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Programs such as GLA:D are aimed to ensure patients independence and self management by teaching them how to remain active without causing injury and trauma to their joints.
