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Last Updated: Aug 29, 2019
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How to Reduce Knee Pain

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Dr. Pinky Parekh0Physiotherapist
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Managing knee pain.

1. Heat or cold therapy.
Try using hot packs or ice packs on the knee where it hurts for 10 to 15 minutes few times a day as tolerated. Usually ice therapy helps control inflammation and reduces pain immediately.

2. Stretching and strengthening exercises
Hamstring stretch: lay on your back and tie a strap to the ankle. Now lift leg straight up till you feel stretch behind your knee and thigh.
Hold 15 seconds. Repeat 3 times each side.

Quadriceps stretch: stand on one leg and holding onto a chair for support. Now using your hand bend the knee as much possible. Keep leg straight and you will feel a stretch in front of your thigh. Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat 3 times each side.

Quad sets: sit with your legs straight. Tighten knee and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times on both sides. You can also put a folded towel under the knee.

Straight leg raise: lay on your back. Lift one leg straight up and lower slowly. Repeat 10 times on both sides.

Sitting leg raises: sit up straight in a chair. Straighten one leg and hold 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times each side.

3. Walking and other activities.
Start slow and keep at it. Walking can ease joint pain, strengthen leg muscles, improve posture, and improve flexibility. It's also good for your heart.
The exercises that are easy on the knees include biking, swimming, and water aerobics. Water exercise takes weight off painful joints. Being active may also help you lose weight, which takes pressure off joints.

How much exercise?
Thirty minutes a day is a good goal. Start small, such as 10 minutes every alternate day. If you don't have pain, exercise more to reach 30 minutes goal.

When you start to exercise, you may feel mild soreness in muscle and thats normal. Check with your doctor if you want to try over-the-counter pain relievers to help the soreness. Ice can also help. Don't ignore pain in your joints, though. Contact your doctor if you have any. Physiotherapy can help and treatments such as ultrasound therapy, interferential therapy, tens, etc are combined with specific exercises to improve knee flexibility and strength.

Good luck!




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