Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common ailment that can affect people of all ages, and can be caused by a variety of factors. It can be a debilitating condition that can severely impact daily activities and can arise from a variety of causes. Knee pain can manifest in a variety of ways and can feel different for each person. However, generally, knee pain can feel like a dull ache, sharp or shooting pain, stiffness, soreness, or a burning sensation around or inside the knee joint. 

Some people might experience swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee area, while others might feel a crunching or popping sound when moving the joint. Knee pain can also affect mobility, making it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or perform daily activities. The intensity and duration of the pain can vary, and it may worsen with movement, such as bending or straightening the knee. 

Knee pain can result from injuries, overuse, arthritis, or underlying medical conditions - here are some of the most common reasons for knee pain:

Overuse
One of the most common causes of knee pain is overuse. Excessive strain on the knee joint due to repeated activities such as running, cycling or jumping can cause pain and inflammation in the knee. The knee joint is complex and is susceptible to injury from sudden movements or twisting. Initially, the best solution for this type of knee pain is to rest the knee and avoid any activities that aggravate the pain.

Osteoarthritis
Wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee joint due to aging or other factors can cause osteoarthritis. This can lead to knee pain, stiffness, and swelling. It’s rare for a person under age 40 to suffer from osteoarthritis. 

It occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down, causing the bones to rub against each other. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in low-impact exercise like cycling or swimming are important to keep the joints moving and at the same time not stressing them. Here’s more information about treating osteoarthritis. 

Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation and pain in multiple joints, including the knee. You can read more about it here.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
This is a condition that causes pain in the front of the knee. It’s often caused by improper tracking of the patella (kneecap), which can be due to muscle imbalances or weak quadriceps muscles. This condition arises from irritation of the kneecap and the surrounding tissues, and can cause knee pain during activities such as climbing stairs or prolonged sitting. The best natural medicine-based solution for this type of knee pain is to engage in exercises that strengthen the quadriceps, such as squats or lunges. Here's more information about treating patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Meniscus tears
The meniscus is a cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones in the knee joint. Tears in the meniscus can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Sometimes a meniscus tear in the knee will lead to unexpected locking of the knee, or to it giving out. Meniscus tears are common and can worsen with time if not taken care of. 

Gout
Gout is a unique type of pain that can cause sudden and severe knee pain. It occurs when there is a buildup of uric acid in the body, which can form crystals in the joints. Most commonly, it affects the big toe, but it can affect the knee and other joints as well. 

The best natural medicine-based solution for gout is to avoid foods that are high in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Drinking plenty of water can also help to flush out excess uric acid from the body. Some people have found relief from drinking tart cherry juice as well. 

Bursitis
Bursitis causes pain and swelling in the knee joint. It occurs when the bursae (small sacs of fluid that cushion the joint) become inflamed. The best natural medicine-based solution for this type of knee pain is to rest the knee and use natural anti-inflammatories. Gentle stretching and low-impact exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, can also help to reduce pain and inflammation. Here are our recommendations for taking care of bursitis.

Natural remedies can be effective in treating knee pain. However, it's always important to know what's actually causing the pain. In many instances however, a definite source can't always be found.  If so, here are a few suggestions:

1. Exercise and physical therapy - Strengthening the muscles around the knee can reduce the strain on the joint, thereby reducing pain. A physical therapist can recommend exercises to help with this.
2. Curcumin is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory compound. Supplementing with Curcumin Relief can lower inflammation levels enough to stop inflammatory pain in the knee. 
3. Omega-3 fatty acids - Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint. Consuming foods high in Omega-3s such as salmon, mackerel or taking a fish oil supplement can be helpful.
4. Joint & Cartilage Revive contains several natural ingredients that work together to protect the joints, decrease pain & inflammation and promote cartilage regeneration. It’s a must-have for anyone dealing with any kind of knee pain.
5. Acupuncture - This ancient technique involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body, which can help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint.
6. Heat and Cold Therapy - Applying alternating heat and cold to the affected knee can help reduce pain and swelling. Apply the cold then heat for 10-15 minutes each several times a day can help with swelling and inflammation.
   

Most pain has a specific cause - that’s why it’s important to be seen by your doctor so the appropriate diagnosis can be made. However, in many instances it’s tough to find the exact source of pain. In this case, following the above recommendations can help relieve knee pain, so you can resume your normal activities.