Joint and knee pain is a common problem as a person ages. This pain is sharp, less and burning or more or less both types. Knee pain is usually caused due to arthritis disease. Joints are the parts of the body where two or more bones meet, such as the knee, arm or hip. Cartilage (the flexible connective tissue found in the human body) is like a cushion in joints that protects the joints from pressure and makes the movement comfortable. When the cartilage in a joint break down, the bones rub against each other due to which pain, swelling and cramps arise and this causes pain in the knees. Diagnosis of joint pain requires careful tests such as blood tests, Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody test, Rheumatoid factor (RF latex) test, Rheumatoid factor test. Examination of fluids, bacterial culture, crystal analysis, a biopsy of the tissue of affected joints, etc.

Treatment of knee and joint pain varies depending on the joint affected, the severity of the pain, and the underlying cause. Treatment addresses the underlying cause and reduces or eliminates symptoms. The initial mild pain in the joints is treated by those medicines which reduce pain and inflammation. Apart from this, the pain is also reduced by applying ice at home, taking a hot water bath or doing some exercise.

Causes of pain in knees and joints

When Vata and Kapha doshas are at their peak, there is a pain in the knees and joints. The following diseases are caused due to pain in the knees and joints-

• Joint pain
• Gout
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Bursitis
• Knee arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteomyelitis
• Tendonitis
• Baker's cyst
• Worn cartilage
• Torn ligament (ACL tear)
• Jerk or sprain
• Knee Injury
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

Symptoms of the knee and joint pain

• The problem of the knee or joint pain is recognized by the following symptoms-
• Pain when walking, standing, moving and even at rest
• Swelling and crepitus
• Locking of joints while walking
• Stiffness of the joints, especially in the morning or it may last all-day
• Twist
• Vesting and Facilitation
• Stiffness in the body
• Pain in knees and joints
• There is a lot of difficulty and pain in moving the legs, moving the hands and moving the joints.
• Trouble while walking, squatting and sitting.
• Trouble sitting in the toilet.

Relief from pain in knees and joints

Some simple techniques at home can relieve short-term knee and joint pain such as-

• Covering or wrapping the joints with a cloth.
• Rest the joint and avoid any activity that causes pain.
• Apply ice to the joints several times each day for about 15 minutes.
• Press the joint by wrapping something.
• Raise the joint above the level of the heart.
• For muscle spasms around joints, use a heating pad or keep it covered.

Treatment for Knee and joint pain

The treatment of knee and joint pain is based on its cause. The main treatments for pain in knees and joints are –

Painkillers

Some analgesics or painkillers fall under the category of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs which have the ability to bring relief in pain as well as reduce inflammation. However, these drugs should not be used for a very long time as these can cause a risk of serious side effects including gastric ulcers, kidney damage and heart disease.

Pain relief cream-

Some pain-relieving creams in the form of ointments and sprays are applied to the joints and knees.

Exercise

Exercises that increase muscle strength and maintain joint mobility are beneficial for joints. This reduces the stiffness and stability of the joints due to pain.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are taken for joint pain caused by joint infection.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are used in many arthritis-related and autoimmune conditions as they reduce inflammation and block or slow down the immune system.

Lifestyle changes

Changes in lifestyle habits such as eating a healthy diet, losing weight and maintaining a normal weight help with joint pain.

Supplements

Calcium and vitamin D supplements are used to prevent bone loss, and Allopurinol is an enzyme inhibitor that is used in gout.

Therapy

Water therapy and hot and cold fomentation therapy are beneficial in joint and knee pain.

Medical devices

Medical devices such as splints, braces, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. are used to improve mobility.

Surgical therapy

Surgical therapy involves the replacement of artificial joints to relieve pain and improve mobility.

Home remedies for knee and joint pain

Consumption of turmeric milk is beneficial in knees and joint pain

Mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk and drinking it at least twice in the morning and evening provides relief in knee pain. This is the most effective home remedy to relieve knee and joint pain.

Aloe vera is an effective home remedy for knee and joint pain

In the pain caused by joint pain, injury, swelling, wounds and skin related problems, tying the pulp of Aloe Vera with turmeric lightly heated is beneficial. This remedy is effective even if there is a pain in the knees.

Mustard oil massage provides relief from knee and joint pain

Mustard oil is very beneficial in physical pain and knee pain. Regularly massaging the knees with mustard oil ends knee pain quickly.

Clove removes the pain of knees and joints

Clove is very beneficial in tooth and gum pain, knee pain and swelling etc. Putting clove powder or cotton wool soaked in clove oil on the painful area is very effective.

Use fenugreek to relieve knee and joint pain

Fenugreek seeds are effective on knees and joints. It is analgesic and anti-inflammatory like a pain pill. For this, take half to one spoonful of fenugreek powder with warm water after eating in the morning and evening. This provides relief from knee pain.

When to go to the doctor?

According to experts, adopt home remedies for knee and joint pain. If there is no proper benefit from them, then go to the doctor for treatment of knee pain. Apart from this, if the pain is due to fracture, it is accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth, fever, weight loss or severe pain at night, in such cases, see an orthopedic doctor immediately.