Do you have knee pain too? (Knee Pain) Let's talk about it all!

Do you sometimes feel a 'crackling' sound when you walk up a flight of stairs or get up after sitting for a while? Or do you feel like your knees are stiff when you get up in the morning? Knee pain is a problem that many people in our country have and that affects their daily lives. Some people think that this is a normal thing that happens as they get older. But it is not good to just ignore all pain. So today, let's talk simply about knee pain, its causes, and what can be done about it.

What exactly is this knee pain?

Simply put, the knee is where the thigh bone (femur) of our leg connects to the main bone of our lower leg (tibia). This is one of the largest and most complex joints in our body. When we walk, run, and jump, these two knees bear the weight of our entire body. So that's why it is more prone to injury.

Knee pain is any type of pain or discomfort felt in or around the knee joint. It can be a temporary problem that comes and goes for a while, or it can be a long-term (chronic) condition that requires treatment from a doctor.

Where do you feel the pain?

Depending on where you feel the pain, you can get a rough idea of ​​which part of the knee is the problem. Think about it this way,

• Pain above or behind the knee, close to the skin: This is often due to a problem with the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around the knee.
• Deep pain from within the knee: This type of pain is most likely caused by damage to the bones or cartilage inside the joint.
• Pain that radiates down the knee or leg: Sometimes knee pain can radiate up the thigh or down the leg.

This pain does not have to be constant. It may only come on when the knee is bent or when working, and may subside when you rest. For some people, the pain is worse when they wake up in the morning. It is also common for the pain to be worse at night after a hard day at work.

What are the main causes of knee pain?

The main causes of knee pain can be divided into three categories.

How to treat knee pain?

The type of treatment you need will depend on the cause of the pain and its severity. In many cases, you can start with simple things you can do at home.

The RICE method that you can do at home

For pain caused by a minor accident or strain, the RICE method is very effective.

• Rest: Stay away from the activity that caused the pain for a while. Give your knee a break.
• Ice: Wrap an ice pack or a cloth soaked in cold water in a towel and apply it to the painful area for about 15-20 minutes. Do this about once an hour for the first day. After that, 3-4 times a day is enough. Never put ice directly on the skin.
• Compression: To reduce swelling, use a compression bandage around the knee. Don't wrap it too tightly.
• Elevation: Whenever possible, keep your knees higher than your heart. Place a few pillows under your legs when lying down.

Painkillers (Medications)

For minor pain, you can use NSAID painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or medications such as Paracetamol (Acetaminophen).

Other treatments

• Knee Braces: In some cases, your doctor may recommend using a knee brace to support your knee and keep it in the correct position.
• Physical Therapy: This is very important for arthritis and when recovering from an injury. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around your knee and increase flexibility in the joint.
• Surgery: Most people do not need surgery. However, if the pain is severe, interferes with daily activities, and other treatments do not help, your doctor may recommend surgery. Knee arthroscopy is a minor procedure that involves inserting a camera through a few small incisions. Knee replacements are also being performed successfully today.

Can't knee pain be prevented?

We can't prevent some accidents, but there are things we can do to reduce the risk.

• If you are playing sports or exercising, warm up well before and cool down afterwards.
• Wear protective equipment and footwear appropriate for the sport or work you are doing.
• If you feel pain, don't "work through the pain" or "play through the pain." Listen to your body and give it a break.
• Keeping the muscles in your legs, especially your thighs, strong will reduce the pressure on your knees.
• At home and at work, keep items that could cause tripping neatly away.
• Do not climb on chairs or tables to pick up objects from a height. Use appropriate equipment for this purpose.

When should you definitely see a doctor?

Be especially careful about these things:

• If knee pain makes it difficult to do your daily activities, or if you have to stop doing things you enjoy (like going for walks or playing).
• If the pain does not subside after a few days of home treatment.
• If your knee feels stiff or locked .
• If the knee is swollen, red, and warm .

Knee pain is not something you have to live with for the rest of your life. Don't assume it's a normal part of aging. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can get back to your normal activities without pain.

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