Orthopedic Surgeon Shares 5 Knee-Pain Relief Tips, Urges Care if Pain Lasts 2-3 Weeks
Updated
Updated · Health News Hub · Aug 10
Orthopedic Surgeon Shares 5 Knee-Pain Relief Tips, Urges Care if Pain Lasts 2-3 Weeks
1 articles · Updated · Health News Hub · Aug 10
Summary
Robert Carangelo, a Hartford HealthCare joint replacement surgeon, said five steps can ease knee pain: strengthen supporting muscles, lose excess weight, use ice or heat correctly, choose low-impact exercise and try physical therapy.
Low-impact strengthening and movement help protect the joint by improving muscle support and keeping fluid moving through the knee, while cycling, swimming and walking can maintain function without adding much stress.
Weight loss can sharply cut knee strain—Carangelo said every pound lost removes about 5 pounds of force through the knee—while ice is best for new injuries and heat can help stiffness after 48 to 72 hours.
Pain lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks, swelling, redness, instability, locking or nighttime pain should prompt a medical visit; treatment options can include therapy, medications, injections and, in severe cases, joint replacement.