Reducing Knee Pain — Without Surgery

Thursday, October 07, 2004

ROCHESTER, Minn. — If you have increasing difficulty going up and down stairs, you're not alone. Knee pain is common with age. Many times it can be handled with treatments other than surgery.

Knee pain can come from injuries or strains that cause irregularities on the joint surface. Over time, this causes osteoarthritis — wear-and-tear arthritis. Misalignment of the knees also can lead to osteoarthritis. Being overweight and a lack of regular exercise increase the risk of knee pain, too.

The October issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter outlines a number of conservative approaches that may help, including:

P.R.I.C.E. — For pain flare-ups, start with the basics: Protect from further injury. A knee sleeve or elastic wrap may be helpful. Rest your knee by avoiding activities that may cause pain or discomfort. Ice the knee for about 15 minutes every few hours in the first couple of days. Compress the area with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling. Elevate your knee above your heart, especially at night.

Appropriate use of pain relievers — Pain relievers should be used when pain is acute, for example, when you're unable to sleep. Don't use pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to enable you to continue to do activities that hurt your knee.

Keeping strong — People who are physically fit are less likely to have problems. Maintaining flexibility also is important.

Losing excess weight — Excess weight can unnecessarily strain knees.

Knee pain warrants prompt evaluation if the joint is hot or swollen, if you can't stand on it, if you have severe pain, if the knee has locked or if it causes you to be unable to walk or sleep.

Mayo Clinic Jacksonville - Erik Kaldor 904-953-2299

Mayo Clinic Scottsdale - Anne Tewksbury 480-301-436

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