Many people experience minor knee problems at some point in their lives. However, active women are at least twice as likely to suffer serious knee injuries as men. But it's not just athletes who are at risk. Everyday activities such as kneeling, squatting, and climbing stairs can also create knee pain.

Treatment  |  Prevention  |  More Health Information

Treatment

Many treatments can help reduce pain and swelling in your knee. These include:

• Icing your knee helps reduce swelling.
• Keep your leg raised above your heart helps excess fluid flow out of your knee joint.
• Compression - Wrap an elastic bandage or neoprene sleeve snugly around your knees. This keeps fluid from collecting in your knee joint.
• Electrical stimulation can help reduce excess fluid in your knee joint.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed by your doctor.
• Isometric (contracting) exercises strengthen the muscles that support your knee joint. They also help reduce excess fluid in your knee.
• Massage helps fluid drain away from your knee.

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Prevention

Luckily, you can help protect yourself by following a few simple tips:

• Improve your overall fitness and strength.
• Know your level of fitness and the demands of your activity or sport.
• Control your weight. When you walk, each extra pound adds four pounds of pressure to your kneecap. Climbing steps, that pound adds 20 pounds of pressure.
• Buy sturdy shoes made for your activity, and replace them when the inner or outer soles become worn.

If your knees are hurting, don’t wait to see the doctor. There are now many options to help including physical therapy and medicines - and for some people surgery.


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More Health Information

Health Library | Learn more about knee problems and injuries
Health Library | All about knee replacement surgery
Health Library | Should I have surgery for my torn meniscus?
Health Library | Should I have knee replacement surgery?
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