Home Remedies For Knee Pain: Procedure, Recovery, Risk & Complication

If you are suffering from arthritis, it is important for you to know about how it affects your knee and other joints. Arthritis is a chronic, systematic inflammatory disease which damages your joints and connective tissues. Your knee is commonly affected by arthritis and there are three primary types of arthritis that occur in the knees. They include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis.

Types of arthritis 
The different types of arthritis affecting the knees occur due to different reasons. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, which wears away the joint cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition, which may occur at any age. Post-traumatic arthritis occurs after an injury is inflicted to the knee and may occur several years after a ligament injury or knee fracture.

Major symptoms

1. Arthritis pain may occur all of a sudden, but commonly develops slowly. In the early stages, the pain is observed in the morning after you have been inactive over the night. Pain is likely when you want to move around. Pain may be experienced even when immobile.
2. Periodic inflammation is a common symptom of arthritis of the knee. This happens because of the formation of bone spurs or excess fluids in your knee. The swelling gets pronounced after being inactive for a long period. The skin on your knee may look red and feel warm while you touch it. This may lead to chronic inflammation, which is very difficult to manage.

Treatment
There are several ways of treating knee arthritis. The mode of treatment depends on the severity and cause of knee arthritis. NSAIDS or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed for dealing with arthritis pain temporarily. Other medicines used for knee arthritis treatment are as follows:

1. Analgesics, which help in pain reduction act as good alternatives to NSAIDS.
2. Corticosteroids are used for reducing inflammation.
3. Certain DMARDs or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are used.

Certain injections that are used for helping with knee arthritis. They include:

1. Hyaluronic acid supplements, which ease the pain and inflammation by lubricating your knee joints.
2. Corticosteroid injections also soothe inflammation and pain.

You may also require a surgery for dealing with knee arthritis when other modes of treatment fail. The most common surgeries are as follows:

1. Total joint replacement, where your knee is replaced with a prosthetic made of metal, plastic or ceramic.
2. Osteotomy, where the knee bones are modified for controlling pressure and damage in the knees.
3. Arthroscopy, where an incision is made in the knee for removing damaged parts.

It is recommended for you to consult a doctor, if you experience any symptom of knee arthritis. Early treatment will prevent the condition from worsening.

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition affecting the knee joints. This condition results from age related degeneration of joint cartilage and synovial fluid. This results in excessive stiffness, swelling, pain and decreased mobility due to loss of lubricant functions of joint cartilage.

Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis:

Treatment for knee osteoarthritis consists of anti inflammatory drugs, lifestyle modifications and knee exercises. In advanced stages where pain is severe or conservative therapy fails, replacement of knee joint is required. In many cases, knee replacement is not feasible or desired due to various reasons. For such cases, other treatment option is available in form of Platelet rich Plasma (PRP) injection in knee joint.

How is PRP therapy done?

The procedure involves drawing a sample of blood from the patient and then placing it in a Centrifuge machine which extracts the Platelet rich plasma (PRP) constituent from blood.The sample constitutes of platelets (blood cells) which consist of numerous healing and inflammatory chemicals. This PRP sample is injected in the knee joint under sterile precautions. This decreases inflammation, and promotes healing.

Benefits of PRP therapy:

1. The body’s first response to soft tissue injury is to deliver platelets. Platelets carry cells, proteins, and other growth / healing factors that initiate repair and recruit stem cells. PRP therapy’s natural healing process intensifies the body’s efforts by delivering a higher concentration of platelets within the damaged joint. Research has shown PRP therapy to be very effective at relieving pain and returning patients to their normal activities. Both Ultrasound and MRI images have shown definitive tissue repair after PRP therapy, confirming the healing process.

2. The need for knee replacement can also be greatly reduced by promoting repair of cartilage before joint damage becomes extensive. In fact PRP therapy works best when done in early stages of Knee Osteoarthritis.

3. Relieves pain without the risks of surgery or general anesthesia.

4. No hospital stay is required. The procedure is performed safely and takes approximately two hour including preparation and recovery time. In fact, most people return to their jobs or usual activities right after the procedure.

5. Most patients require 2 to 3 sessions of knee PRP therapy.

Side effects of PRP Therapy:

The procedure is free of side effects when done by experienced pain specialists. Since the therapy involves injecting patient's own blood derivative, it is a safe procedure. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a doctor and ask a free question.

People who suffer from arthritis are more likely to experience osteoarthritis symptoms. The intensity of the feeling of knee pain in winter is often linked to barometric pressure. In winter, there is a reduction in the pressure exerted by the air around us. This drop in pressure can cause the tissues around the joints to swell resulting in increased pain. The other possible cause of knee pain in winter can be explained from the influence of heat. Fluid in tissues becomes more viscous during winter. As a result of this increased viscosity, the elasticity of the muscles decreases, resulting in winter aches and pains. 

Some scientists believe that the higher pain intensity in winter is to be more of a psychological thing. Seasonal affective disorder is more during winter, and people suffering from mental depression seem to sense more pain during winter as the weather restricts outdoor activities. Improper intake of food also causes knee pain in winter due to undigested material. Even though winter arthritis is uncomfortable, the following tips help to make the joints work better and make you withstand the season easier.

Tips to Manage Joint Pain in Winters

1. Physical activity in winter can reduce winter aches and pains and enhance overall health benefits. Low impact activities like aerobics, swimming in a heated pool, weight training, and riding a stationary bicycle can reduce stiffness, increase the blood flow, and support the knees. Thus, winter arthritis can be well managed by doing exercises.
2. Diet also plays a vital role. Eating a balanced diet that comprised of low saturated fat, lean proteins, more fiber, and refined carbs helps to improve body functions during the winter. Drinking water throughout the day helps to reduce winter aches and pains. It is essential to consume easily digestible foods like vegetables. Consuming vegetables like carrots and cucumbers that have diuretic properties can help to eliminate waste products from the body.
3. Vitamin D deficiency may worsen osteoarthritis. It is necessary to take a supplement vitamin D or ensure to make your diet is vitamin-D rich. Fish oil is a potent source of omega 3 fatty acids. Increase your intake of milk, a rich source of protein and calcium that help to strengthen the bones. Exposing the body to sunlight help to obtain vitamin D.
4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be used to reduce inflammation and pain. Injecting a viscous substance can decrease the friction of the bones and ease the condition.

Home Remedies for Knee Pain in Winters

1. Wrap the inflamed knees with blanched cabbage leaves. This can cool down inflamed knees.  Aloe vera also helps to reduce inflammation.
2. Comfrey (symphytum officinale) can act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Create a compress using mashed root or comfrey tea soaked bandages can also be used to reduce inflammation.
3. Applying an ice-pack can help to reduce swelling and alleviate winter aches and pains. While applying ice-pack, ensure to cover the entire knee. Applying a bag of frozen peas to the area also works well. While using ice or heat therapy, make sure to do them carefully as over agressive and over doing it, can cause problems. 
4. Steam therapy also helps to reduce pain in your knees. Soak your knee in a steaming hot water for 15 minutes. Applying hot water bag also can relieve knee pain in winter effectively.
5. Winter aches and pains all over the body can be relieved by administrating massage therapy by a professional.
6. Avoid applying strain or pressure on your knees. Take adequate amount of rest to reduce pain and swelling.

If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Orthopedist.

What is Osteoarthritis of Knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee (knee OA) is a progressive disease causing inflammation and degeneration of the knee joint that worsens over time. It affects the entire joint, including bone, cartilage, ligament, and muscle. Its progression is influenced by age, body mass index (BMI), bone structure, genetics, strength, and activity level. Knee OA also may develop as a secondary condition following a traumatic knee injury. Depending on the stage of the disease and whether there are associated injuries or conditions, knee OA can be managed with physical therapy. More severe or advanced cases may require surgery.

Symptoms of knee OA may include:

1. Worsening pain during or following activity, particularly with walking, climbing, or descending stairs, or moving from a sitting to standing position
2. Pain or stiffness after sitting with the knee bent or straight for a prolonged period of time
3. A feeling of popping, cracking, or grinding when moving the knee
4. Swelling following activity
5. Tenderness to touch along the knee joint

Physiotherapy For OA Knee

Here are 5 exercises to help you take control of your knee OA. These exercises are recommendations. Before doing them, get your doctor's okay. Never push through pain with these exercises—you may be doing your joints more harm than good. Soreness is normal when starting an exercise program, but if it doesn't go away, call your doctor.

1. Knee OA Exercise #1: Standing Quadriceps Stretch

Stretching your quadriceps can ease tension in the knee joints.

• Stand with feet hip-distance apart.
• Bend your right knee and hold the top of your right foot with your right hand.
• Bring your right heel as close as possible to your glutes. You can use a wall for balance.
• Hold for 30 seconds, and repeat on the left leg.
• Do 3 times once a day.

Knee OA Exercise #2: Standing Calf Stretch

This gentle calf stretch increases flexibility in your leg muscles and knee joints.

• Bring your right foot a few feet in front of your left foot. Bend your right leg, making sure your knee doesn't go past your toes.
• Keeping your left leg straight, press your left heel toward the ground to stretch the calf of your back leg.
• Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on opposite leg.
• Do 3 times daily.

Knee OA Exercise #3: Seated Leg Raise

The seated leg raise exercise helps strengthen muscles around your knees.

• Sit on a chair with both legs bent at 90°.
• Slowly raise your right leg so that it's parallel to the floor, keeping your left foot on the ground.
• Hold for 30 seconds, then slowly bring the right foot back to the floor, and repeat on left leg.
• Do 10 times twice a day.

Knee OA Exercise #4: Step-ups

Step-ups strengthen your legs, making it easier for you to do everyday things like climb stairs. You'll need an exercise step, or use a bottom stair in your house.

• Stand in front of the stair with feet hip-width apart.
• Step onto the stair with your right foot, then with your left foot.
• Step down in reverse: Your left foot reaches the ground first, then the right foot.
• Go at your own pace for about 30 seconds at a time. For balance, use a railing.
• Do 10 times twice a day.

Knee OA Exercise #5: Static Quadriceps Contraction

• With your knee relatively straight, slowly tighten the muscle at the front of your thigh (quadriceps) by pushing your knee down into a small rolled up towel.
• Put your fingers on your quadriceps to feel the muscle tighten during the contraction.
• Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times as firmly as possible without increasing your symptoms.

What if I Need Surgery?

In some cases of knee OA, the meniscus (shock absorber of the knee) may be involved. In the past, surgery to repair or remove parts or all of this cartilage was common. Current research, however, has shown in a group of patients who were deemed surgical candidates, 60-70% of those who participated in a physical therapy program, instead of surgery, did not go on to have surgery. Further, after 1 year those outcomes were unchanged. This study suggests that physical therapy may be an effective alternative for those patients who would like to avoid surgery. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a physiotherapist.

If you are suffering from arthritis, it is important for you to know about how it affects your knee and other joints. Arthritis is a chronic, systematic inflammatory disease which damages your joints and connective tissues. Your knee is commonly affected by arthritis and there are three primary types of arthritis that occur in the knees. They include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis.

Types of arthritis 
The different types of arthritis affecting the knees occur due to different reasons. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, which wears away the joint cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition, which may occur at any age. Post-traumatic arthritis occurs after an injury is inflicted to the knee and may occur several years after a ligament injury or knee fracture.

Major symptoms

1. Arthritis pain may occur all of a sudden, but commonly develops slowly. In the early stages, the pain is observed in the morning after you have been inactive over the night. Pain is likely when you want to move around. Pain may be experienced even when immobile.
2. Periodic inflammation is a common symptom of arthritis of the knee. This happens because of the formation of bone spurs or excess fluids in your knee. The swelling gets pronounced after being inactive for a long period. The skin on your knee may look red and feel warm while you touch it. This may lead to chronic inflammation, which is very difficult to manage.

Treatment
There are several ways of treating knee arthritis. The mode of treatment depends on the severity and cause of knee arthritis. NSAIDS or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed for dealing with arthritis pain temporarily. Other medicines used for knee arthritis treatment are as follows:

1. Analgesics, which help in pain reduction act as good alternatives to NSAIDS.
2. Corticosteroids are used for reducing inflammation.
3. Certain DMARDs or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are used.

Certain injections that are used for helping with knee arthritis. They include:

1. Corticosteroid injections also soothe inflammation and pain.

You may also require a surgery for dealing with knee arthritis when other modes of treatment fail. The most common surgeries are as follows:

1. Total joint replacement, where your knee is replaced with a prosthetic made of metal, plastic or ceramic.
2. Osteotomy, where the knee bones are modified for controlling pressure and damage in the knees.

It is recommended for you to consult a doctor, if you experience any symptom of knee arthritis. Early treatment will prevent the condition from worsening.