Severe knee pain: Do’s and don’ts for quick relief

Everyday life can get significantly impacted by severe

knee pain

, which can make even simple tasks like walking or climbing stairs difficult. Maintaining mobility and quality of life requires effective management of knee pain, regardless of the cause—arthritis, injury, or other joint conditions. Consider the following do’s and don’ts to help relieve knee pain:

Do’s

1. Rest and protect your knee:

It’s crucial to give your knee enough rest. Refrain from engaging in activities that worsen your knee discomfort to prevent putting too much strain on it. If necessary, protect the knee from further damage by using crutches or knee braces.

2. Ice therapy:

Ice can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation in the injured knee. Apply an ice pack covered in a cloth on the knee several times a day for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Compression:

According to Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep Bhosale, Senior Director, Robotic Joint Replacement – Knee and Hip, Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai, “Compression, such as that provided by an elastic bandage or knee sleeve, can help reduce swelling and support the knee joint. Make sure the bandage fits snugly without being too tight so as not to restrict blood flow.”

4. Gentle exercises:

Take part in low-impact activities to keep your joints flexible and develop your knee muscles, such as swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical machine. Mild stretches can also aid in increasing the range of motion.

5. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can create a customized workout plan to help you feel better, be more flexible, and strengthen the muscles surrounding your knee. They can also instruct you in the right methods to prevent more injuries.

Avoid exercises that increase knee pain and cause damage which includes brisk walk, running, leaping, and playing high-impact sports. Opt for low-impact activities that are less taxing on your joints. Avoid squatting, sitting cross legged on the floor and stair climbing if not must.

2. Avoid wearing inappropriate footwear:

Knee pain can get worse when wearing high heels or shoes that don’t provide enough support. Choose cozy, comfy shoes that have adequate cushioning and arch support.

3. Don’t neglect weight management:

Carrying too much weight increases knee strain, aggravating discomfort and increasing the possibility of more injuries. All-around joint health and

knee pain relief

can be achieved by maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.

4. Don’t self-diagnose:

Many conditions, such as arthritis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries, can cause knee pain. Misdiagnosis can result in inappropriate therapy. Consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

5. Don’t delay knee replacement surgery:

If you experience severe knee pain despite medications or other treatments, and your doctor has recommended a knee replacement, delaying this surgery may be detrimental. A longer wait translates to more damage to the joint, which can result in limited mobility, weakening muscles, and a higher chance of needing a more complex revision surgery later on.
Advancements in medical technology are transforming the field of surgery and robotic-arm assisted surgery is one of the latest innovations for advanced arthritis patients. Robotic-arm assisted technology assists joint replacement surgeons in performing surgeries with the help of a CT scan, enabling creation of a personalized surgery plan based on a patient’s unique anatomy. During surgery, the surgeon guides the robotic arm, which uses haptic technology, so they can cut less and help protect your healthy bone, resulting in better outcomes like less pain and shorter recovery times compared to traditional joint replacement surgery.
Exercise, rest, and adequate treatment are necessary for managing severe knee pain. Pain relief, increased joint mobility, and an overall improvement in quality of life can be achieved by following these guidance. It is always advisable to speak with your doctor for individualized guidance and choices for your specific condition.