How Do You Live With Chronic Knee Pain?
If you suffer from chronic knee pain, you may have researched various options for relief. Consider scheduling an appointment with the best knee replacement surgeons in your area. Until you have a consultation and find out if surgery is an option, you can find other ways to live with knee pain. Here are a few things you can try to help alleviate pain:
Make Lifestyle Changes
Whether you’re hoping to avoid surgery or waiting for an appointment with a surgeon, you can make lifestyle changes that may help reduce the pain. If you’re overweight, make a plan to lose weight. Even a few pounds lost can reduce the pressure on your knees.
Regular exercise can help with weight loss. It also strengthens the muscles around your knee, which may take the pressure off the painful area. Improve the strength in your quadriceps and hamstrings. Avoid high-impact exercises like running or aerobics that place extra stress on the joints. Opt for low-stress workouts like swimming, walking, or water aerobics.
Change Your Shoes
The shoes you wear can have a significant impact on knee pain. High heels place pressure on certain parts of your legs and joints. Flat shoes with no support or cushioning can make your legs hurt worse. Buy shoes with maximum support or add cushioned insoles to your footwear.
Avoid standing still whenever possible because it can put extra pressure on your knees. Walking around is better, but if you must stand, try to find a chair or seat at every opportunity. Consider the surface as well. Grass is softer and more cushioned than standing on concrete for extended periods of time.
Get Quality Rest
Pain is often worse at night, which can disrupt your sleep. To help you get the rest you need for the next day, you may need to make some changes. Avoid caffeine near bedtime, which can keep you awake. Try some light stretching exercises that can help you relax and loosen up muscles and joints.
If your knees hurt more at night, ask your doctor about taking pain medication that lasts the entire night. It may help reduce the pain while you sleep, allowing you to get more rest. Sleep with a pillow between your knees, which can help you find a more comfortable position. Consider replacing your mattress if it’s old or too soft. A firmer mattress can distribute your weight more evenly and take the pressure off painful areas.
Ice Your Knee
Chronic knee pain can be constant, but it can also worsen at certain times of the day or night. If your chronic knee pain is caused by bursitis or other inflammatory conditions, ice can be beneficial. Ice can help reduce inflammation for a while. You may need to reapply the ice pack several times throughout the course of the day.
During those times of intense pain, you can find quick relief with an ice pack. Cover the ice pack in a towel and place it on your knee for several minutes. Don’t apply it directly to the knee. Don’t leave the ice pack on if the ice is too cold and starts to burn your skin.
See a Doctor
If your chronic knee pain hasn’t been diagnosed, you can schedule an appointment with the best knee replacement surgeons in your area. They will perform a physical exam and look at your medical history. If you haven’t experienced a recent injury, they may order tests to figure out the cause of your pain.
Once the doctor has diagnosed your pain, they can recommend a treatment plan. It may start with lifestyle changes or pain medication, progressing to surgery if the pain doesn’t subside.
Find the Best Knee Replacement Surgeons
Look for a reputable knee replacement surgeon to help you manage chronic knee pain. The surgeon will discuss surgery with you and determine if you’re a good candidate. A partial or total knee replacement can provide relief from knee pain. It can allow you to regain some of the lost mobility, so you can resume the activities you once enjoyed. Knee surgery doesn’t have to be scary, and it may help improve your quality of life. Get started looking for a quality doctor to help you live a pain-free life.
