Knee joint pain is one of the most common complaints people have when they go to the doctor. There are many options when it comes to treating knee pain. Although there are lots of options, they are no good unless you have an idea about what is causing the pain.
Knee pain can be caused by several types of situations. Some people injure themselves while playing sports or going through everyday life. Others may have knee problems sneak up on them over time and notice that they have an issue “out of the blue” one day. Each of these situations can have any number of causes behind them. The cause of the pain must be determined in order to treat it in the most effective way possible.
Anti-inflammatory options are often a good place to start. Among the medications available over the counter are several that fall in the anti-inflammatory category. Some of these include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. These are not meant to be a permanent cure for joint pains. The fact is that continued long-term use of these pain-relief options can have some serious side effects. When a person chooses to take these over long periods or in quantities beyond the recommended dosage, they can experience serious consequences. People in pain also need to know that these products were never meant to handle extreme pain and have a limit to what they can relieve.
Patients that choose NSAIDs need to be aware of the possible drawbacks. Taking two different types of NSAIDs will not produce an increased amount of joint pain relief. Damage to the kidneys is just one of the many side effects that these types of medications can have on the human body. It is always a good idea to talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns.
There are several options that are often approached if the pain is caused by more than a minor injury. One of the first and most common is physical therapy. Patients who work to ease their knee pain through physical therapy work on strengthening the muscles around the knee. The increased strength helps to stabilize the knee and bring relief from pain in that way. Along with the goal of increased strength, therapy also works to increase mobility and range of motion in the knee. Hopefully, a successful stint in therapy will bring pain relief and decrease the chances for future injuries!
Obviously, there are many types of medical issues that can cause knee joint pain. Each different diagnosis is going to require a unique plan to deal with recovery and pain. Doctors are becoming more and more open to different types of treatment. There are routines that have developed through modern western-style medicine and emerging options available through more natural, holistic methodologies.
Joint pain supplements are becoming a big part of the solution when it comes to knee joint pain. Over the past several years, many choices have become accessible to the public. From glucosamine to chondriton, people recognize natural choices as being available. More recently, a joint pain supplement made from CFAs, or Cetylated Fatty Acids, has come on the scene. So far, studies have shown it to be more effective than its predecessors. The future is looking more and more hopeful every day for those suffering from knee joint pain.
