The Do’s & Don’ts of Dealing With Knee Pain

There are many ways to deal with knee pain or a stiff knee. However, there are many individuals who unintentionally make their knee pain worse in their attempt to cope with it. For example, many people instinctively think they should rest their knee more when they are suffering from knee pain. This may be the correct course of action in some cases. However, in other cases, too much rest can actually make your knee pain worse be weakening your muscles which may worsen joint pain. Here’s some more do’s and don’ts regarding knee pain:

Do’s

• Exercise – Exercising your legs strengthens the muscles which support your knee. It can also increase your flexibility and help you stretch. There are many options to choose from if you are looking for a good way to exercise your legs. These include swimming, walking, cycling, and elliptical machines. Just make sure not to over do it and cause yourself more knee pain by straining.
• Try Losing Weight – In many cases, being overweight can contribute to your knee pain. Speak with your doctor about how to best approach the situation and what kind of diet and exercise program may be best for you. You don’t necessarily have to be skinny either, every pound of weight you lose is one pound less of weight your knee has to support.
• Remember “RICE” – RICE is an acronym which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. During times of severe pain or even minor injuries this acronym can prove quite useful. Rest your knee, use ice to reduce swelling, use compression to reduce pain, and keep your knee elevated.

Don’ts

• Be Shy About Using a Walking Aid – Walking aids like crutches or a crane can reduce the amount of weight on your knee and prove highly beneficial.
• Use the Wrong Kind of Insoles – Ask your doctor what kind of insoles you should use in your shoes to reduce the amount of stress on your knee.
• Rest Too Much – Too much rest can weaken your leg muscles and cause you more knee pain whenever you do have to walk. Try exercising in moderation and resting in moderation.

If you are suffering from chronic knee pain, contact Garden State Pain Control today to speak with an experienced New Jersey knee pain doctor.