Do your knees lock or painfully click when you bend down? As surprising as it might be, people of nearly all ages suffer from knee pain. Whether you’re a young adult who suddenly feels knee joint pain while out for a run or a senior who feels pain in the knee when bending down, anyone can develop knee pain. As the largest joint in the body, the knee plays a crucial role in our body’s movement and support system. Therefore, the slightest pain can drastically affect an individual’s mobility and overall quality of life. Connecting the upper and the lower leg bones, the knee joint is made up of ligaments, tendons, muscles, cartilage, and fluid-filled sacs, all of which work together to provide support, facilitate movement, and keep everything functioning smoothly. However, as one of the most used joints, they face daily wear and tear and can wear out as more stress is put on them. They are also susceptible to inflammatory diseases. Knowing the possible causes of knee pain, the symptoms, and the relief options will help you better manage the pain when you experience it.
The Common Causes of Knee Pain
As mentioned, knee pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages and all lifestyles. And, just like how anyone can suffer from knee pain, there is a long list of causes that can be associated with it. Since several different factors can trigger an episode, it is important to understand them to find the most effective treatment or pain relief option.
One of the possible causes of knee pain is arthritis. While there are hundreds of variations of this inflammatory condition, the most common type of arthritis, Osteoarthritis, can affect the knee. Mostly experienced by older adults, Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the knees wears down. As the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, bringing about pain, stiffness, weakness, and even swelling.
Another common cause of knee pain is injury or trauma to the knee. This can include an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, torn meniscus, or fractures. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. Overuse or repetitive strain injuries can also cause knee pain because painful inflammation can occur when the knee is repeatedly stressed.
The Symptoms of Knee Pain
The symptoms of knee pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common symptoms of knee pain include swelling and stiffness in the knee joint, difficulty walking or standing, and a crunching or grinding sensation when moving the knee. While some knee pains are not serious, excruciating or chronic pain can indicate something is wrong. Therefore, it is important to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is the Fastest Way To Relieve Knee Pain?
Treatment options for knee pain will depend on the specific cause and severity of the pain and may include self-care measures, physical therapy, or medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat knee pain. Some of the ways to reduce or manage knee pain include:
1. Weight Management
Carrying excess weight puts additional pressure on the knee joints, which are already carrying the bulk of the weight of your body. To prevent pain and discomfort from developing, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising can do wonders in alleviating knee pain since less stress will be put on them.
2. Balancing Rest and Exercising
Finding a balance between rest and exercise is important to help manage knee pain. While too much rest can lead to muscle atrophy and weakness, too much exercise can put additional strain on the knees. Therefore, establishing a moderate exercise routine is key to perfecting the balance. Gentle, low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and provide pain relief. Be sure to also listen to your body while exercising. If you are already experiencing pain, avoid exerting too much force on the knees, so the condition is not aggravated.
3. Use Compression Bandages
Compression bandages, can help support the knee and prevent swelling.
4. Use Footwear that Offers Sufficient Support
Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help reduce the strain on the knees and reduce pain.
Also, avoid wearing high heels or shoes with thin soles, as they can put additional strain on the knees.
5. Knee Pain Relief Creams and Products
While seeking the advice of a medical professional will give you access to the best medicine for knee pain, Over-the-counter topical pain relief solutions can help reduce knee pain. Still, many contain synthetic ingredients or salicylates, which can cause a reaction in those with aspirin allergies. Other products contain herbal ingredients such as camphor, menthol, and mint oil to help reduce inflammation and pain. These herbal ingredients are found in Tiger Balm’s knee pain relief creams and balms. Aiming to provide you with the pain relief you need, you can experience effective knee and joint pain relief with:
- Tiger Balm Ultra Strength: This pain relief ointment contains the strongest concentration of Tiger Balm’s signature herbal ingredients to provide you with warm and comforting relief for arthritis pains. The penetrating heat of Tiger Balm Ultra Strength will also increase circulation by opening up blood vessels and assisting in the recovery of any damaged tissue.
- Tiger Balm Red: An arthritis cream, Tiger Balm Red boasts a unique formulation of herbal ingredients that will provide fast and effective knee and joint pain relief.
Find Relief for Your Knee Pain With Tiger Balm
Knee and joint pain can affect one’s ability to enjoy their favourite activities. While there are several causes of knee pain, and some self-treatment options can be effective for mild to moderate pains, dealing with it can be much easier with Tiger Balm. From arthritis creams for the knees to pain relief balms, we have them all. So find your ideal Tiger Balm products at a retailer near you or buy them online today!