How To Treat Knee Pain After an Injury?

Answer 1

A knee injury can be very serious, and recovery can take a long time. To speed up recovery, one can do many things including resting the knee by elevating it and providing support, ensuring not to put any weight on it. Drinking lots of milk can also help in tissue production if the knee was torn. Ice can also be important to prevent swelling.

Answer 2

Knee pain can result from an injury either from a fall, a car accident or pivoting the wrong way while playing certain sports. The pain occurs due to a stretching of the ligaments and/or tendons. Treatment is usually in the form of the acronym R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation), medications and, if necessary, alternative medicine.

Rest

Take a break from work and school, especially repetitive activities or activities that require putting weight on the knee. Resting the knee about one to two weeks will help to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.

Ice

Apply ice, or an ice pack, to the injured knee for about 10 to 20 minutes three times a day or as prescribed by a physician. Avoid leaving the ice on longer then the prescribed time since this can cause possible damage to the nerves and skin.

Compression

Apply an elastic or compression bandage around the knee to stabilize, support and maintain knee alignment. This will not only promote healing but also prevent fluid from building in the tissues. Make sure the bandage is tight but not so snug as to curtail circulation in the leg.

Elevation

Elevate the injured leg by placing either one or two pillows under the knee. Elevating the knee also helps to reduce swelling and drain fluid away from the tissues.

Medications

Take any medications prescribed by a physician to help reduce pain. For knee pain, physicians usually recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Report any medication side effects, such as nausea, vomiting or shortness of breath, to the physician immediately or seek emergency care.

Acupuncture

Use alternative methods, such as acupuncture, to relieve knee pain when traditional medicine has not been successful. The treatment involves placing acupuncture needles along the meridians of the body to help release endorphins, which relieve pain. When finding an acupuncturist, make sure you choose a professional who has obtained formal training from a creditable institution as well as certification or state licensure.