Some of the best sources of knee joint pain relief include painkilling medication such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, physiotherapy to reduce pressure on the joint, and icing to contain any swelling. Massage to structures around the knee is sometimes effective at providing immediate relief, although this depends on the type of injury. Other sources of knee joint pain relief include acupuncture, fixing biomechanical issues, and maintaining correct posture while sitting.
Painkilling medication is one of the quickest sources of knee joint pain relief. Standard pain killers such as paracetamol can quickly reduce pain to a more manageable level in mild or moderate cases, although they won’t have much long-term benefit. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help to reduce swelling in the joint, which results in less pain, but can also help speed up recovery from certain injuries. Many NSAIDs can be found in gel form, allowing the patient to apply the drug directly to the affected area.
Physiotherapy can provide knee joint pain relief, although it is not an instant fix. Pain in the knee is often caused by weak or tight muscles surrounding the joint, and a physiotherapist can help to address this. Typically, those with knee pain will have weak quadriceps, so this will often be the focus of rehabilitation. Strengthening the right muscles may take pressure off the knee and allow it to heal. Icing the injured area or taping the patella to improve tracking are other common techniques.
Massage, specifically myofascial release to the structures around the knee, can sometimes provide knee joint pain relief. When muscles are worked over time, they begin to develop “trigger points” which prevent them from functioning properly. Sports massage to get rid of these areas of damaged tissue, especially in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, can reduce pressure on the knee joint. There are many resources which help a person to perform self-myofascial release, although a professional will usually be much more effective.
There are many other sources of knee joint pain relief. Acupuncture, for example, may help some people, although there is little scientific evidence behind it. If the pain is caused by poor tracking of the kneecap, addressing any underlying biomechanical issues, such as flat feet, can help to reduce pain relatively quickly. In some cases, if a person sits at a computer all day simply getting him or her to sit correctly, with feet on the floor instead of under the chair, may help minimize knee pain.