The hinge-like motion of the knee is possible because of the support offered by a network of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Those tissues are susceptible to inflammation, disease, excessive use, or injury. If you have knee pain, refer the matter to a specialist providing long-lasting relief from pain and discomfort. Knee therapy is one conservative treatment your doctor may recommend for you. There are various knee therapy Arlington options, including ice and heat therapy, stretches and exercises, and electrical stimulation of nerves and muscles. Knee therapy can help you avoid surgery or help you recover faster from a surgical procedure.
Apart from relying on knee therapy, you can also do various other things to help your recovery from knee pain and discomfort. Consequently, below are some tips you can follow to ensure your knees feel much better.
- Avoid excessive resting
When you rest too much, especially on the bed or couch, the muscles around your knee joints become weaker. The knee muscles need to stay active to make them stronger and more resilient against pain and repetitive motions.
Less strenuous exercises for your aching knees may include bike riding, swimming, walking, and Tai chi (shadowboxing). Various studies prove that the low-impact exercise associated with Tai chi can significantly provide pain relief if you have Knee osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative joint disease of the knee.
Water workouts are excellent because water provides natural resistance to your body. As your body pushes against the opposition by water, the muscles build and become stronger. Also, the buoyancy nature of water relieves pressure from your legs, knees, and the rest of your body.
- Safeguard yourself against a fall
Damage caused to the muscles and tendons of your knee may make you susceptible to a fall since it is difficult to bend the knee, which is unstable. A fall, a trip, or a slip can further damage your knee and increase your pain and discomfort.
Safeguarding yourself from falling, slipping, or tripping by ensuring areas inside and outside your home are adequately illuminated. Also, install grab bars in your bathroom and use handrails on stairs.
Moreover, avoid putting things on the floor that can cause you to fall or slip.
- Utilize the RICE therapy
The RICE treatment involves the following steps.
- Rest- If you are doing something and your body registers knee pain, you should rest immediately.
- Ice- Apply ice packs to your affected knee for about 20 minutes after every few hours to avoid frostbite.
- Compression- Wrapping your knee with an elastic medical bandage can help prevent inflammation. Avoid compressing the knee in a manner that restricts blood flow.
- Elevation- Keep your knee in an elevated position than your heart.
- Maintain healthy weight
If you are overweight or obese, the additional weight exerts extreme pressure on your knees. Therefore, it is much easier to lose balance, leading to a fall or a slip that causes injuries. Also, an unhealthy weight encourages the development of joint pains in your knees. Furthermore, you become more at risk of chronic health conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, and gallbladder disease.
Contact Neuropathy and Pain Centers of Texas today to schedule an appointment for specialist treatment of your knee pain nonsurgically.
