Dr Sanjiv,My knee very painful and Stiff ,What can I do at home to relieve the Osteoarthritic Knee Pain

Dr Sanjiv Rampal, My knee hurts very badly, especially when Walking upstairs?; Dr Sanjiv my knee hurts after a few steps. Do u think I should use a cane or walking stick? But I feel I'm still too young to be using a walking aid

Prof my neighbour says to use a specific and fancy knee brace and it'll help cure my knee pain?

Dr Sanjiv Rampal, My knee hurts very badly, especially when Walking upstairs?

Dr Sanjiv my knee hurts after a few steps. Do u think I should use a cane or walking stick? But I feel, I'm still too young to be using a walking aid

Prof my neighbour says to use a specific and fancy knee brace and it'll help cure my knee pain?

These are a few common types of questions they have been asked in our local settings. In the 21st century with the enormous amount of information at our fingertips, the patient often finds it comforting to clear their doubts. My patients are usually of mid-aged and baby boomer's generation(57-75 years old)Osteoarthritis knee Malaysia is the most common type of musculoskeletal arthritic pain among the baby boomer's generation eg 57-75-year-olds group. This short review is meant to help summarise what can be done at home to deal with knee pain secondary to arthritis.

1. Lose some weight-

Losing weight is the best method of dealing with pain. This is often easier said than done as weight loss is extremely hard in certain patients especially with the debilitating type of knee pain. Weight loss act as an independent factor in reducing the joint loading effect.

2.Self Management of physiotherapy and stretching

Papers and clinical data has shown a higher impact on pain relief when the patient is educated and actively participates in the treatment regime and physiotherapy sessions.The most cost-effective method in addressing short term pain relief.

3.Ice packing or thermotherapy. Alternate warm packing and cold compression with an ice pack does improve pain scores

4. Low Impact aerobic exercise like cycling and swimming or even brisk walking helps relieve pain, maintain motion and avoid joint stiffness

5.Core Muscle strengthening of thigh muscles. This exercises maintain a range of motion and alleviate knee pain

6. Neuromuscular training which proven to prevent injury

7.Temporary offloading of the joint with the use of a walking stick or cane. This is one of the best methods in dealing with knee pain. Individuals may practise using at home for a short duration of time eg 4-6 weeks.

8.The use of a knee guard, Especially useful when anticipating walking abnormally long-distance or uneven surfaces.

9. Bracing in Unicompartmental knee Osteoarthritis  and Taping and strapping only in PFOA(Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis)<br>Bracing has some evidence to prove its benefit especially if an isolated case of Patellofemoral osteoarthritis.</p>

10.A short course of NSAIDs/painkillers is proven to be useful especially when given along with other methods of treatment.

In conclusion, these are a few methods in dealing with knee pain due to osteoarthritis at home. Please do feel free to share your experience or ask a question with the comments below or email directly to [email protected].

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