If you are suffering from knee pain, you should visit a doctor right away. This is because your pain may be indicative of an underlying condition, such as a fracture or infection. In some cases, you may need surgery or immobilization, so seeing a doctor as soon as possible is crucial. Putting off treatment can be harmful and delay the healing process. A comprehensive history and physical examination will help your doctor determine the exact cause of your pain.
Home treatment for knee pain includes applying ice to the affected area. This can relieve pain and inflammation. The ice pack can be made of frozen peas or an ice bag wrapped in a thin towel. This treatment is generally safe and effective, but it should not be applied for more than 20 minutes at a time. Too much ice can cause damage to the skin and nerves, so make sure to use it only as needed. You should also elevate the knee, if you can. This can reduce the pain and help the fluid flow back to the central circulation. Learn more about this at Regenerative Medicine Near Me
A doctor can prescribe a medication to relieve pain caused by knee pain. There are several types of medication available for the treatment of knee pain. Depending on the cause of your pain, they may help you to manage it more effectively. For example, NSAIDs, or anti-inflammatory drugs, may be recommended for treating a sprain.
A doctor can also conduct an x-ray and physical examination to diagnose the condition. These diagnostic tests may reveal a broken or dislocated bone, arthritis, or abnormally small or large joint spaces. Sometimes, additional diagnostic imaging is needed to determine the exact diagnosis and treatment options. Further imaging can also be performed to diagnose autoimmune disorders.
Patients can also undergo injections of cortisone or hyaluronic acid to ease their pain. However, these injections are not curative. Most patients will experience pain relief within a couple of days, while others may need more time. Patients should contact their doctor if their pain continues for more than 10 days after receiving the injection. If their pain does not improve, they should seek further diagnostic testing to identify the cause of the problem.
Another common treatment for knee pain is ice. Ice can reduce inflammation. This will help you return to activity sooner. But you should never apply ice directly to your skin. A bag of ice on a towel can help reduce the swelling. Once you have ice on your knee, the inflammation process will be slow.
Besides ice and heat, topical painkillers may also be helpful for your pain. These medications can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. Rub-on painkillers are less potent than those that go directly into the bloodstream. However, they are not effective for everyone. Also, some of them may cause bleeding or kidney damage.
