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joyannj joyannj
 
M$2 May 24, 2009 01:41 PM

What can I do for this knee pain?

About 9 years ago I had surgery for a torn meniscus. I was told that I would probably develop arthritis and may need the procedure again. Now, I'm uninsured but the wicked pain has returned. I have a stationary bike I know I should be riding to build up strength in that knee, but I can't because it hurts too much. Any tips? (Can't take too many anti-inflammatorys, as they affect my stomach.) Thanks
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hlruther hlruther
 
 May 24, 2009 10:48 PM
I am a freelance writer and lately I've been writing about and researching knee pain a lot. This is the jist of what I've learned:

Orthotics
- Placing an orthotic insert in your shoes realigns the way you walk and helps something like 80% of all people with knee pain whether it be from osteoarthritis or injury.

Bracing
- Placing strips of medical tape on the sides of you knee or wearing a wrap will help support the leg when walking.

Heat and Ice
- For inflammation alternating heat and ice can help ease the pain and improve blood flow to the area which improves the time it takes an injury to heal.

Exercise
- Strengthening the quads will likely help to ease any pain.

Lose Weight
- If you're overweight losing even 10 pounds will greatly improve your discomfort level.

Topical Pain Reliever
- Icy Hot or Bengay help to instantly diminish pain. Hope you don't mind the smell.

Supplements
- Glucosamine, SAMe and omega-3 fatty acids all have a proven track record for easing knee pain.

Anyway, that's all I can remember off the top of my head. Good luck!
Source(s):
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/knee-pain/DS00555/DSECTION=treatments-and-...



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jjaime jjaime
 
May 24, 2009 01:59 PM
First find out if the knee hurts because of a muscular problem or a articulation problem.

If it's an articulation problem and there is inflammation i suggest you put some ice and lay down with the knee high. Anti-inflammatorys if prescribed could help, but in a small amount.

There is also the option of knee infiltration which is the injection of a anti-inflammatory directly to knee and usually the effect lasts for some months or even a year.

As for the exercises you need to build strength on the quadriceps for that instead of doing bike, try first to sit down and elevate the foot above the ground leaving it hanging and then stretch the knee at about 45 degrees and stay like that for 30 seconds, then switch to the other leg and repeat at least 5 times, as you improve make the repetitions longer for 45 seconds and 1 minute. This will help build some strength on the quads which will help to relief the stress that is loaded on the knee articulation.

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mattb4rd mattb4rd
 
May 24, 2009 02:08 PM
I take advil by the fistful, but I understand that it upsets your stomach. Kidney problems can result also, from taking too much ibuprofen. (Analgesic Nephropathy)

My knee was killing me yesterday because I had to do some field work that involved walking through wet lawns in rubber boots with no real arch or heel support. I was pleased when I got up this morning with no pain, but after some juggling practice (I'm teaching myself), it has flared up again.

On to the remedy - I have an osteopathic physician that is a miracle worker. Every few years I have to go in for an injection in my knee and once even in an elbow. It hurts a bit from the pressure of the fluid being injected, but within a few days, I'm pirouetting in the office again pain-free. (not really on the ballet, but really on the pain-free)

Therefore, I suggest that you seek the counsel and services of a skilled osteopathic physician.

Source(s):
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/analgesicnephropathy/
http://www.click2houston.com/health/3429722/detail.html


Tags: knee, osteoarthritis, pain

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joyannj joyannj
 
May 24, 2009 02:11 PM
Thank you for your answer. I'm still paying off the emergency room visit for the ulcer I developed from all the Motrin & Tylenol I have taken for this so I won't be visiting a Dr. of any kind right now.

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mattb4rd mattb4rd
 
May 24, 2009 02:29 PM
Yikes! I can relate to that. I have a Health Savings Account, but emptied it recently to pay for treatment for some kind of flu thing my daughter had recently. (It wasn't swine flu). Yesterday when my knee started hurting, I thought to myself that I would make an appointment to see my doc next week. Then I recalled paying off my daughter's bills and bought a pack of advil at a convenience store. Aleve works well for me also. I think it's also a NSAID.

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tracebooks tracebooks
 
May 24, 2009 02:11 PM
I'm not a doctor but a pharmacist's daughter/past pharm tech who has found many alternative remedies that work for me. One natural anti-inflammatory that could help you that is widely available is turmeric. It's one of the major spices in curry powder, but it's available on its own, too. Just eating something with a lot of curry in it could help; but health food stores carry turmeric capsules.

Another thing that also acts as an anti-inflammatory is magnesium. The best I know of is Peter Gillham's Natural Calm.

For the pain, Traumeel, either gel or tablets, may help. All three of the things I've mentioned you can find at most health food stores.

Perhaps, if you try these things to get the inflammation taken care of, you can then start exercising to build up your muscles to protect your knee better.
Source(s):
I have used all three and they've worked for what I've needed them for, including a sprained ankle.


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xds xds
 
May 24, 2009 03:29 PM
If you can I would seriously suggestion looking at aqua theory not only will this help you exercise your knee as well as loosening your joints in the process.
Warm water is best IMHO, many YMCA and YWCA 's have programs just for this purpose and most of the time they are free.

Another option as well would be *glucose* or local anesthetic injections but these usually leave the recipient in A little bit of added pain for the first week.
You would definitely need to consult your primary physician about this but i've heard good things!

Source(s):
Experience.


Tags: pain, therapy

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mtwaites mtwaites
 
May 26, 2009 09:07 PM
When you have knee pain, it is a good idea to seek the advice from a physiotherapist, or from your general practitioner to be referred onto a surgeon. They should be able to find out the different sources of what are causing the issues within your knee. Good luck.

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