Health Care

by Andrew Sims

Are your knees giving you problems?

If so, we can understand. At some point in almost everyone's life, they have had knee pain. Let's discuss some useful treatment options here. - This information can help.

The knee is one of the largest and most complicated joints in the human body. We use our knees for just about ever activity we perform. Even when we are sitting still, there can be pressure on the knee joint. Consequently, knee aches are nearly inevitable-and when the pain starts, knee ache remedies are a sought after commodity.

Many knee ache treatment options are not only helpful, but they are not invasive either. Each such remedy has its advantages and disadvantages. Some to consider are as follows:

1.) Ice/Heat: Ice therapy can be particularly helpful within the first 24 to 48 hours after a traumatic knee injury and there is swelling present, after which it is recommended that heat be applied instead (by some medical professionals). An ice pack can be applied to the area that is aching or swelling, but should never be applied directly to the skin, and should always be wrapped in a cloth or other protective covering. Similarly, with heat application, you should always have a protective layer between the skin and the heat source, making certain that the heat source is not hot enough to burn the skin underneath. When using heat, the temperature should be comfortably warm, but not hot enough to cause discomfort or redness over the area. However, whether using ice or heat, these knee ache remedies are temporary, and can be somewhat inconvenient. Ice and/or heat should be applied every 4 to 6 hours, and will not cure the underlying problem, but will only provide some degree of relief.

2.) Rest: Of course one of the most effective knee ache remedies is rest. Simply avoiding the activity that aggravates your knee aches may offer relief from the pain. However, this is not always a practical solution. The activity that aggravates your knee pain may be related to your job or other unavoidable obligation, and rest is simply not an option. Plus, the amount of rest you need may vary considerably depending upon the severity of the pain and, consequently, may not be a practical knee ache remedy depending upon your particular circumstances.

3.) Elevation: If you knee is swollen, then elevation may be one of the appropriate knee ache remedies to consider. Resting with your knee elevated helps reduce the swelling and the consequent ache. Again, though, this may not always be practical given your particular circumstances.

4.) Over-The-Counter Medication: Over-the-counter medication, such ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen, may one of the knee ache remedies to consider. However, every mediation, even those sold over the counter, has side effects, and should be used sparingly, with caution. Since these types of medication likely provide only temporary relief, the temptation may be to overuse them, which, in the long run, may add to your problems.

5.) Knee Braces: Braces for the knee are one of the most helpful ways in which you can find long lasting support and pain reduction, when you need it. Supports for the knee are not hard to use, and come in a wide variety of styles to fit your particular needs. Even if the knee is swollen, many knee braces can be adjusted and re-adjusted accordingly, as the swelling diminishes. A knee brace helps to support the knee, helping to take the pressure and stress off of the joint and also helps keep the knee in a proper position, even when in use. Consequently, when used properly, a brace can help to significantly reduce your aches and pains for an extended period of time with no adverse side effects. Further, knee supports are convenient to use, readily available and relatively affordable.

If you think about it for a second, a knee support can be the answer for which you have been searching for... This might just be the turning point for you to help you get moving again with confidence and pain reduction in your very near future.

About the Author

If you have intense knee pain, then we can appreciate where you are coming from. Check us out online if you want to learn more about the knee or to find an affordable yet effective knee brace. Visit us online today at http://www.drbraceco.com

By: Benedict Neel

Cycling is a great way to stay fit, but it can also be the cause of pain and discomfort.

Cyclists sometime acquire a type of knee pain known as IT band syndrome. This painful condition is caused by a stretching of the iliotibial tissue. This thick, fibrous tissue that runs form the hip to the knee becomes stretched, due to the constant up and down motion of the legs while cycling. When stretched, the tissues begin to rub against the bony portions of the knees or hip, causing serious pain.

Beginning cyclists commonly complain of IT band syndrome pain. These rookie riders can cycle for hours without giving due respect to the needs of their feet and knees. Other causes of knee pain are poor sitting position, cleat alignment, hard riding or a faulty saddle. It can even be a result of simple body anatomy. The only way to reduce this pain is to ride more slowly. This allows the body more time to adapt to the physical stress of cycling. Minimizing hard riding and stretching before and after riding can also help lessen the effects.

There are changes that you can make to your bicycle to help reduce cyclists' knee pain. Try adjusting the seat higher or lower to take stress off of the knees. Whether your seat is too high or too low, you can experience cyclists' knee pain. If the seat is too high, you'll feel the pain behind the knee. On the other hand, a seat positioned too low can result in pain in the patella. Visit your cycle shop for help in finding the best seat height position for you. If your bicycle is equipped with cleats, they too may need some adjustment. Cleats should not float too much internally, and should not float externally. Ideally, the cleats will be neutral. Your bike shop can help to adjust your cleats using the "fit kit" method.

Another common cycling-related injury is chondromalacia. This painful condition is caused when the cartilage behind the patella is under constant pressure, such as in cycling.

Try strengthening the quadriceps muscles along the front of the thigh to relieve your discomfort. Some doctors recommend simple exercises, like sitting on a chair and stretching the leg, to strengthen the quadriceps. Avoid sideward movement while pedaling to help ease your pain.

If cyclists' knee pain strikes you, apply ice packs or rest your knee. You'll also need to reduce your riding time until the knee pain subsides, or risk further damage. Try to avoid cycling across bumpy surfaces or riding at high speeds while your knee is on the mend. Try stretching and icing before and after the ride to help keep your muscles loose. It's also important to keep your legs warm during cold weather riding.

If you suffer from persistent pain, or the condition becomes worse, see your doctor. Cyclists' pain can indicate a more serious condition, so it's a good idea to get a professional opinion before treating the symptoms.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

Benedict Neel is a regular columnist for several popular web sites, on recreation and outdoor recreation topics.
Get a unique version of this article from our cycling article directory