4 Things You Can Do To Treat Knee Pain

Knee pain is an unfortunately common experience for many people, both young and old. Whether you are an athlete who hits the gym every day, or just someone who exercises when they have the time, you may occasionally find that a painful sensation in your knees will flare up and render you less mobile than you would otherwise be. Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to treat it. Keep reading for four of the most effective ones.

Don't Rest Too Much

Though it may seem counterintuitive, there is definitely such a thing as too much rest. Even if causes minor pain, you should still seek to exercise your knees in a way that is safe. This prevents the muscles around your knee from becoming too rusty, as it were, and can work effectively to get you back in optimal shape. Of course, if any exercise at all is extremely painful, you will want to speak to a doctor immediately.

Utilize Compression and Ice

The twin treatments of compression and ice work wonders for the occasional knee flareup. While you don't need to have an ice pack on your knee all day, you should intermittently apply pressure and ice for ten minutes at a time when you can. It also helps if you can elevate your leg slightly while doing this. The combination of rest, ice, compression and elevation is popularly known in its abbreviated form as RICE, which is an easy-to-remember set of solutions.

Use Walking Aids

In more extreme situations, it may be that a walking aid such as a crutch or cane may be just what you need in order to give your knee the break it needs. Though this may feel like an unnecessary step to take, never underestimate how much better your knee can feel after just a day or two with a walking aid. While it may take you a little longer to get places, it can also mean a far shorter recovery time.

Buy New Footwear

If you are wearing ill-fitting footwear - particularly if you are on your feet all day at work, or you are playing sports every day - then you should consider getting new shoes. As simple a fix as it seems, getting a new pair of shoes that fits properly can fix a whole host of issues, including ones you may be having with your knees. 

Contact a clinic, like Healthpointe, for more help.