Knee Pain Do's and Don’ts

Knee pain is a common complaint seen by chiropractors, hospitals, and traditional medicine doctors. While mild knee pain can be treated at home, chronic or moderate to severe knee pain should be assessed by a chiropractor. If you are in Lakeville or St. Paul and you suffer from knee pain, visit us at the Lake Marion Chiropractic Center. Below are some Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to handling knee pain.

Do Use RICE

RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It's a standard home treatment for many types of pain and injury, particularly strains, sprains, and arthritis. If you have recently injured your knee, try to take it easy for a few days and keep the knee elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. Ice can reduce swelling and pain as well. Compression can prevent further injury and relieve pain.

Don't Rest too Much

Depending on the cause of your knee pain, too much rest can actually worsen the problem. If it's caused by arthritis, staying active can actually help reduce pain and stiffness. If you are experiencing pain for more than a few days or you have severe pain or difficulty walking, visit your chiropractor and follow their recommendations for your activity level.

Do Exercise

Many forms of exercise can increase knee strength and flexibility. This can help relieve pain and make your knee less susceptible to injury. Swimming, Tai Chi, walking, stretches, and strength training are all great types of exercise for knee pain. It is recommended to speak with your chiropractor when deciding what types of exercise you would most benefit from.

Don't Hesitate to Use a Walking Aid

Knee injuries put you at a risk for a fall and further injury. If your knee is unstable, consider a brace. Depending on the severity you may need crutches, a cane, or a walker as well. Don't attempt to "be tough" and cause further damage to your knee or other areas from a fall.

Do Use Heat

You may find that heat eases your knee pain. If it works, use it. Most doctors recommend alternating between cold and heat therapy. Heat therapy can increase blood flow to the area which speeds healing. It can also relax strained muscles.

Knee Pain Treatment at Lake Marion Chiropractic

At Lake Marion Chiropractic, we specialize in sports injuries, joint health, and injury prevention. In addition to chiropractic care, we offer holistic services like massage therapy and Kinesio taping to treat or prevent injuries. Call us today at (952) 469-8385 if you are in Lakeville or St. Paul, and let us get you back on the road to recovery.