Knee pain usually results from overuse, a new or previous injury, poor form during physical activity, not warming up or cooling down, inadequate stretching or simply from years of wear-and-tear. Being overweight can also put you at greater risk for knee pain. Generally, simple cases of knee pain often clear up on their own with self care. However, when your knee pain is persistent, consider talking to an orthopedic knee pain specialist at Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (MOSH) for the most advanced knee pain treatment available.
For minor bouts of knee pain, there are several things you can do to see if your knee responds without a physician's care:
- Rest and avoid activities that aggravate knee pain, especially weight-bearing activities.
- Apply ice. First, apply it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, apply it at least four times per day.
- Keep your knee elevated as much as possible to bring any swelling down.
- Gently compress the knee by wearing an ace bandage or elastic sleeve. Either can be purchased at most pharmacies. This can help reduce swelling and provide support.
- Take acetaminophen for knee pain or ibuprofen for knee pain and swelling.
- Sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees.
If you don't experience knee pain relief in four to seven days using the knee pain treatments above, it's time to schedule an appointment with a knee pain specialist.
