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Knee Pain Responds Well To Natural Treatments

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Knee pain is the most common musculoskeletal ailment that afflicts Americans. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans go to their doctors because of knee discomfort. Pain can occur in the knee from diseases or conditions that involve the knee joint, the soft tissues and bones surrounding the knee, or the nerves that supply sensation to the knee area. In fact, the knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic diseases.

Many causes of knee pain, especially those related to overuse or physical activity, respond well to self-care:

• Rest and avoid activities that aggravate the pain, especially weight bearing activities.
• Apply ice. First, apply it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, apply it at least 4 times per day.
• Keep your knee elevated as much as possible to bring any swelling down.
• Gently compress the knee by wearing an ace bandage or elastic sleeve. Either can be purchased at most pharmacies. This may reduce swelling and provide support.
• Take acetaminophen for pain or ibuprofen for pain and swelling.
• Sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees.

If you have chronic knee pain, consider swimming or water exercises. In water, the force of buoyancy supports some of our weight so our knees do not have to. If you don’t have access to a pool or do not enjoy water activities, at least try to limit hard pounding and twisting activities such as basketball, tennis, or jogging. Whatever you do, respect and listen to your body. If it hurts, change what you are doing.

Many senior citizens are under the mistaken belief that chronic knee pain is inevitable, as we grow older. The fact of the matter is that knee pain is not a natural part of aging and there are many treatments available that can treat or prevent knee problems.

Natural supplements are often recommended to promote or restore knee health. Supplements containing hyaluronic acid (HA) are particularly helpful. HA is a complex carbohydrate that is produced in the cartilage, the epidermis and elsewhere in the body as part of the natural repair and recovery process. The HA molecule has a strong ability to attract water so it can provide hydration to the cells of the cartilage, skin and eyes. It helps keep synovial fluid (your joints’ built-in shock absorbers) thick and slippery.

If you choose to take supplements for knee pain it is essential that they contain HA as well as some other key ingredients including:

• Boswellin: An herbal extract that’s been used in India for centuries to battle inflammation without irritating the stomach.
• Ginger Root: A powerful antioxidant that soothes and calms the stomach, stimulates circulation and helps cool inflammation.
• White Willow Bark: A source of salicin, a natural anti-inflammatory which contains tannins that are good for your digestive tract.
• Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C): An antioxidant that you body needs for tissue growth and repair.