5 Ways to Deal With Knee Pain

Knee pain is something many adults struggle with. Whether it is due to arthritis or being overweight, knee pain can make it difficult to do some of your normal activities. However, all hope is not lost. If you make the appropriate lifestyle changes, you can relieve the pain in your knees and live a normal life. Here are five ways to deal with knee pain:

Try Ice or Heat

If you suffer from knee pain, you may want to give ice or heat a try. Ice decreases pain while heat takes the stiffness away. For example, you can place an ice pack or heating pad on your knees. If your knees feel very stiff in the morning, taking a long, hot shower may also be helpful.

Lose Weight

If you are currently carrying around too many pounds, it can put more stress on your knees, increasing pain. Getting down to a healthy weight can reduce your knee pain and improve your overall health. Remove junk food from your diet and start eating wholesome foods, like fish, chicken, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Also, exercise most days of the week to help burn more calories. Do exercises you actually enjoy, such as dancing, jogging or swimming.

Get Adequate Rest

Proper rest every night can help your knee pain more than you think. When you get at least eight hours of sleep every night, your body has a chance to repair itself, reducing pain and discomfort. To help you fall asleep easier, try doing something relaxing before bedtime, such as meditating or reading a book.

Consider Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help with a number of different ailments, including knee pain. A physical therapist will use a variety of different invasive treatments, such as exercise, massage and stretches, to improve knee pain. He or she may also show you how to do these exercises at home on your own. Talk to a facility like the Physical Therapy Institute to find out how they can help.

Think About Injections

If your knee pain is due to arthritis, you may want to talk to your doctor about corticosteroid injections. These injections can replenish lubricating substances in the knee and drastically reduce pain. These injections can be administered two to three times a year.

Knee pain can be difficult to deal with at times, but it does not have to take over your life. If you follow these helpful tips, you can reduce your knee pain and feel a lot better.