How Do You Treat a Degenerative Knee Injury? - Brace Yourself For Pain Reduction

An injury to the knee joint when you have an existing condition of degenerative knee disease can cause a degenerative knee injury. These injuries can be traumatic or caused by wear and tear over time. Any injury to the knee can cause excruciating pain, which is several times more likely for someone who has an existing knee condition as opposed to somebody who has perfectly healthy knees.

There are many ways that you can treat a degenerative knee injury that you can use right at home.

1.) Over the Counter Pain Medication

If you have already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee and find that you get a degenerative knee injury, you will probably want to consider over the counter pain medication (speak with your personal physician about all medical advice about your specific situation as well, prior to taking any medications). While taking pain relievers is not considered to be good for the stomach on a long term basis, they are the most effective ways of providing immediate pain relief for the short term. Because over the counter pain medication is inexpensive and readily available, it is one of the most convenient ways to treat the pain symptoms involved with such an injury.

2.) Using an Ice Pack

An ice pack can keep the swelling down with respect to a degenerative knee injury and will also give you much needed pain relief, even if it is only temporarily. When used in combination with over the counter pain medication, this is an effective method for relieving pain and swelling. Many times you will only need to use the ice pack periodically for a few days till the injury subsides.

3.) Resting the Injury

When you have a degenerative knee joint you do not want to remain immobile as this can make the joint stiffen even more. However, if you have a degenerative knee injury, you should rest the joint while the injury heals. This can entail keeping your knee elevated for a few days while using an ice pack and over the counter pain medication as well as a knee brace. As the injury heals you will want to gradually get back to some activity (as allowed by your physician) to keep the joint from stiffening to the point where it can be difficult to move.

4.) Putting on a Knee Brace

A knee brace can also do wonders for you if you have a degenerative knee injury. Not only does it help contain the pain and swelling during occasional flare ups but it also helps prevent further injury to the knee (Very important). A knee brace will support your knee and keep it in proper alignment while not restricting your mobility in any way. It can even help you sleep better without having to worry about making any involuntary movement that may aggravate the condition.

They can be obtained quickly and you can use them right away to help address your knee pain problems. Many times people refer to them as their "new best friend" or their "pain pill" because of the relief that they can provide. - These supports should never be overlooked.

A degenerative knee injury can be troublesome and painful and while it can happen to anyone who has osteoarthritis of the knee, it is not always a medical emergency. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can deal with such a problem that do not entail having to undergo surgery. Conservative care for you knee injury will usually allow it to heal over a week.

However, if the degenerative knee injury lasts for more than a week or if it becomes increasing painful or causes a fever; it is imperative that you see your health care provider.