Knee Pain Causes and Treatment Options

Knee Pain – The Enemy Within

Are you experiencing knee pain? Join the club. The knees are hinge joints with a wide range of motion. They form the body’s primary weight-bearing platform. They are among the joints most commonly affected by pain that demands relief.

Pain is a warning. Pain in the knee has many causes. If not treated, pain can lead to more symptoms, like knee swelling and stiffness.

Knee pain relief is usually possible with non prescription or prescription drugs. Safer relief is obtainable from the use of natural-supplements.

Knee arthritis is one of the most prevalent causes of knee pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common of all arthritis types.

Knee pain causes

The main causes of knee pain include:

Recent or previous injuries--a new trauma to the knee is obvious, but an old trauma increases the risk of osteoarthritis forming there.
Repetitive overuse--the great American pastime, running/jogging is the biggest contributor to knee pain. Jumping and participation in certain sports are also factors. Occupations requiring heavy lifting or climbing poles, stairs or ladders leads to repeated joint stress over long periods of time.
Weight--overweight and obese people have a higher incidence of developing pain of the knees due to increased loads their weight places on knee joints.
Heredity--some people inherit a defective gene responsible for cartilage production, which can increase their susceptibility to pain and to developing osteoarthritis of the knee.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis--usually, osteoarthritis of the knee comes on slowly. In fact, only one-third of people whose x-rays shows evidence of osteoarthritis report pain or other symptoms. Often pain symptoms aren’t noticed as much until age 45 and older. However, rheumatoid arthritis. a systemic autoimmune disease, is often characterized by advance pain symptoms.

Knee arthritis pain symptoms

While pain in most knee arthritis develops gradually, sudden onset is also possible. More pain may become an issue as the disease progresses. If arthritis symptoms are not treated, osteoarthritis of the knee can lead to disability.

The knee pain signs of arthritis include:

Steady or intermittent pain in a joint, especially upon movement
Aching combined with stiffness of the knee after getting up in the morning, or after driving or sitting for a long time
Pain associated with getting in and out of the bathtub
Pain and difficulty when going up and down stairs
Tenderness accompanied by a swollen knee, making it both painful and difficult to bend or straighten the knee
Knee locking, buckling, or catching, usually causing stabbing, temporary pain. A painful crunching feeling, or the sound of bone rubbing on bone
Pain and weakened thigh muscles
An increase in degree of pain caused by changes in the weather
Redness and a feeling of hot or tenderness. This is probably not osteoarthritis. Check with your doctor about other causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Knee pain relief may have side effects

Knee pain is typically treated first by using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as familiar over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin (Bayer) or naproxen (Aleve).

If the pain is not successfully managed by non-prescription drugs, most doctors will prescribe a prescription painkiller for moderate to severe pain, such as celecoxib (Celebrex) or a generic combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone.

Over-the-counter and prescription painkiller drugs are often used inappropriately and there’s a substantial number of people who are not aware of the potential side effects, according to a study published in the November, 2005 issue of the Journal of Rheumatology.

The study was supported by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), which estimates that every day more than 36 million people take over-the-counter and prescription NSAIDs for pain relief, headaches and arthritis, with nearly 25 percent exceeding the recommended dosage.

The AGA observed that long-term use of NSAIDs in high doses can provide great benefit in terms of anti-inflammatory effects, pain relief and cardio-protective effects but the side effects can be great. There’s an increased risk of gastrointestinal complications ranging from stomach pain to ulcers, hemorrhage and severe and potentially deadly gastrointestinal problems.

Natural dietary supplements control pain with minimal side effects

Natural supplements used in treatment of knee pain have the same objectives doctors have with drugs—controlling the pain, maintaining patients’ functional independence and improving their quality of life.

The advantage of a natural, plant-based formulation is the body’s ability to assimilate nutrients at the cellular level, which is not possible with drugs. Drugs, in most cases, simply mask the pain, but aren’t friendly to the body, especially the stomach, kidneys and liver.

In today’s market, there’s an increased consumer focus on alternative health answers to the seemingly endless side effects caused by traditional drug treatment for pain relief of many diseases. At the beginning of 2008, industry sources reported that the growth of the top performing products in the estimated $24 billion U.S. dietary supplement industry was rising at double digit rates.

Treatment options for knee pain

In addition to drug and natural treatments referenced above, here are other options that may alleviate knee pain:

Lifestyle modifications--losing weight for many people can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees, for pain reduction.
Exercise--exercises can reduce pain and increase range of motion and flexibility of the knee joints. Swimming or cycling exercises are preferred over running or jogging. Walking is an excellent low-impact exercise that helps tone the muscles of the leg, especially the quads, and can translate into reduced pain.
Physical therapy--licensed physical therapists can help reduce pain through a systematic treatment program of physical therapy and manipulation.
Supportive devices--walking aids, such as a cane, can reduce pain and disability, as can wedged shoe soles or inserts, knee braces and sleeves.
Other methods--these include applications of heat or ice, liniments, or elastic bandages.
Alternative therapies--includes the use of acupuncture and magnetic pulse therapy for knee pain relief. Many such forms of therapy are unproven by clinical trials, but some patients prefer to try anything other than continuous drug treatment.

How to find the best dietary supplement company

To help me find the best dietary supplement products, I first prepared a list of 30 questions to measure the standards of excellence in different supplement manufacturers.

The answers led me to a company founded in 1956--a leader in the natural nutrition industry. The science behind each of their products is second to none.

They've invested more than $250 million in clinical testing, research and development and have over 90 published studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals--more than any other nutritional company! This company has voluntarily operated as if it were regulated the same as a pharmaceutical company, which I think is a testament to its integrity.

In 2003, they introduced a natural pain relief program consisting of three natural products (two oral dietary supplements and one topical pain relief cream). We haven't found anything of better quality anywhere for knee pain relief.

Knee pain relief achieved totally naturally

My husband has had knee pain and osteoarthritis for many years from injuries occurring as early as age 25. In 1999 he had arthroscopic meniscus cartilage surgery on his left knee. Just prior to his surgery and for four years thereafter, I have seen his knees so swollen and stiff that he could barely get in and out of the car. He had problems getting up and down stairs and extreme stiffness after prolonged sitting.

His regimen for many years for control of knee swelling, stiffness, aching and sharp pain was ibuprofen (Advil) and sometimes acetaminophen (Tylenol).

At the time of his surgery, his doctor talked about the possibility of knee replacement in the not-too-distant future.

After he began using a natural knee pain relief program in earnest in 2004, he has had remarkable improvement on a gradual basis. Today, his knees are in the best shape they've been in more than 10 years. He plays tennis up to four times a week and uses no drug therapy whatsoever.

Four featured knee pain relief supplements

His knee pain relief program consists of the following natural supplements (click the bold links for product information/prices):

Build cartilage and promote flexibility. A combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and clinically-proven cat's claw provides fast relief in as little as one week (dietary supplement).
Pain relief tablets. A combination of patent-pending safflower extract and boswellia provides knee pain relief and other overworked joints naturally (dietary supplement).
Pain relief cream. A remarkably deep-penetrating combination of natural plant extracts with pain-relieving cool menthol for relief of pain associated with arthritis, backache, bruises, sprains and more with relief for up to four hours (analgesic).
Joint health anti aging tonic. Introduced in August, 2008 this multiple patent-pending resveratrol and muscadine based liquid anti-aging supplement fights the diseases of aging at the cellular level, including supporting joint health, heart and cardiovascular health, immune function, while promoting cellular longevity, energy, good health and overall well-being (dietary supplement).

In an effort to get away from potentially harmful drugs, you may want to try one or more of these completely natural supplements. I highly recommend them from my husband’s personal experience.

Disclaimer: Health statements on this knee pain page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Knee Pain Relief. During their lifetimes, an estimated 45 per cent of Americans will develop knee osteoarthritis, the most common kind of arthritis. Increasing numbers of arthritis patients are seeking alternative natural products that provide pain relief and help the body build cartilage and promote comfortable movement of the knee. Click here for more knee joint information.

Joint Pain Relief. Wouldn't it be great if you could have a drug-free future with no harmful side effects and have complete control over your joint pain? And wouldn't it be great if the natural joint pain supplement you used was guaranteed to be completely safe for your health? It's not a dream--all of this is possible.... Click here for more on natural joint pain relief

Osteoarthritis Relief. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It affects joints of the knees, hips, fingers, lower spine and neck. Symptoms typically develop gradually. A joint is swollen, sore or stiff at first. Click here for more on osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief Many of the natural or herbal supplements for osteoarthritis are also recommended for rheumatoid arthritis. The patient is trying to obtain the same or improved relief from rheumatoid arthritis without gastrointestinal and other side effects related to drugs. Click here for RA natural treatment options

Herbal Pain Relief. In the last twenty years in the United States, the public has become increasingly dissatisfied with the cost and side effect risks of prescription medications. This, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has lifted herbal supplements and alternative medicines to higher popularity in the United States than ever before for treatment of arthritis pain. Click here for background on herbal medicine

Return from Knee Pain to Arthritis-Relief Naturally Home Page

Health statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.
This site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Copyright 2008 Arthritis-Relief-Naturally.com
Shaklee Authorized Distributor

SBI!


Home Vitamin D & Arthritis Arthritis Supplements Best Fish Oil Pain Relief Creams Arthritis Symptoms Arthritis Treatments Find Best Company Best Supplements Chronic Pain Joint Pain Relief Knee Pain Relief Knee Pain Knee Arthritis Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Best Fish Oil Fish Oil For Arthritis Glucosamine Benefits Anti Aging Frontier Gout Supplements Lupus Supplements Probiotics Are Good 3 Arthritis Products Natural Vitamins Back Pain Herbal Pain Relief Back Arthritis Natural Back Relief Hip Arthritis Hand Arthritis Elbow Pain Relief Arthritis Types Drug Side Effects Adverse Drug Events Natural Pain Relief Natural Stress Relief Anti Aging Secrets Fish Oil Supplements NSAIDs Side Effects Best Glucosamine Best Alfalfa	Knee Pain – The Enemy Within Are you experiencing knee pain? Join the club. The knees are hinge joints with a wide range of motion. They form the body’s primary weight-bearing platform. They are among the joints most commonly affected by pain that demands relief. Pain is a warning. Pain in the knee has many causes. If not treated, pain can lead to more symptoms, like knee swelling and stiffness. Knee pain relief is usually possible with non prescription or prescription drugs. Safer relief is obtainable from the use of natural-supplements. Knee arthritis is one of the most prevalent causes of knee pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common of all arthritis types. Knee pain causes The main causes of knee pain include: Recent or previous injuries--a new trauma to the knee is obvious, but an old trauma increases the risk of osteoarthritis forming there. Repetitive overuse--the great American pastime, running/jogging is the biggest contributor to knee pain. Jumping and participation in certain sports are also factors. Occupations requiring heavy lifting or climbing poles, stairs or ladders leads to repeated joint stress over long periods of time. Weight--overweight and obese people have a higher incidence of developing pain of the knees due to increased loads their weight places on knee joints. Heredity--some people inherit a defective gene responsible for cartilage production, which can increase their susceptibility to pain and to developing osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis--usually, osteoarthritis of the knee comes on slowly. In fact, only one-third of people whose x-rays shows evidence of osteoarthritis report pain or other symptoms. Often pain symptoms aren’t noticed as much until age 45 and older. However, rheumatoid arthritis. a systemic autoimmune disease, is often characterized by advance pain symptoms. Knee arthritis pain symptoms While pain in most knee arthritis develops gradually, sudden onset is also possible. More pain may become an issue as the disease progresses. If arthritis symptoms are not treated, osteoarthritis of the knee can lead to disability. The knee pain signs of arthritis include: Steady or intermittent pain in a joint, especially upon movement Aching combined with stiffness of the knee after getting up in the morning, or after driving or sitting for a long time Pain associated with getting in and out of the bathtub Pain and difficulty when going up and down stairs Tenderness accompanied by a swollen knee, making it both painful and difficult to bend or straighten the knee Knee locking, buckling, or catching, usually causing stabbing, temporary pain. A painful crunching feeling, or the sound of bone rubbing on bone Pain and weakened thigh muscles An increase in degree of pain caused by changes in the weather Redness and a feeling of hot or tenderness. This is probably not osteoarthritis. Check with your doctor about other causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Knee pain relief may have side effects Knee pain is typically treated first by using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as familiar over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin (Bayer) or naproxen (Aleve). If the pain is not successfully managed by non-prescription drugs, most doctors will prescribe a prescription painkiller for moderate to severe pain, such as celecoxib (Celebrex) or a generic combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Over-the-counter and prescription painkiller drugs are often used inappropriately and there’s a substantial number of people who are not aware of the potential side effects, according to a study published in the November, 2005 issue of the Journal of Rheumatology. The study was supported by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), which estimates that every day more than 36 million people take over-the-counter and prescription NSAIDs for pain relief, headaches and arthritis, with nearly 25 percent exceeding the recommended dosage. The AGA observed that long-term use of NSAIDs in high doses can provide great benefit in terms of anti-inflammatory effects, pain relief and cardio-protective effects but the side effects can be great. There’s an increased risk of gastrointestinal complications ranging from stomach pain to ulcers, hemorrhage and severe and potentially deadly gastrointestinal problems. Natural dietary supplements control pain with minimal side effects Natural supplements used in treatment of knee pain have the same objectives doctors have with drugs—controlling the pain, maintaining patients’ functional independence and improving their quality of life. The advantage of a natural, plant-based formulation is the body’s ability to assimilate nutrients at the cellular level, which is not possible with drugs. Drugs, in most cases, simply mask the pain, but aren’t friendly to the body, especially the stomach, kidneys and liver. In today’s market, there’s an increased consumer focus on alternative health answers to the seemingly endless side effects caused by traditional drug treatment for pain relief of many diseases. At the beginning of 2008, industry sources reported that the growth of the top performing products in the estimated $24 billion U.S. dietary supplement industry was rising at double digit rates. Treatment options for knee pain In addition to drug and natural treatments referenced above, here are other options that may alleviate knee pain: Lifestyle modifications--losing weight for many people can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees, for pain reduction. Exercise--exercises can reduce pain and increase range of motion and flexibility of the knee joints. Swimming or cycling exercises are preferred over running or jogging. Walking is an excellent low-impact exercise that helps tone the muscles of the leg, especially the quads, and can translate into reduced pain. Physical therapy--licensed physical therapists can help reduce pain through a systematic treatment program of physical therapy and manipulation. Supportive devices--walking aids, such as a cane, can reduce pain and disability, as can wedged shoe soles or inserts, knee braces and sleeves. Other methods--these include applications of heat or ice, liniments, or elastic bandages. Alternative therapies--includes the use of acupuncture and magnetic pulse therapy for knee pain relief. Many such forms of therapy are unproven by clinical trials, but some patients prefer to try anything other than continuous drug treatment. How to find the best dietary supplement company To help me find the best dietary supplement products, I first prepared a list of 30 questions to measure the standards of excellence in different supplement manufacturers. The answers led me to a company founded in 1956--a leader in the natural nutrition industry. The science behind each of their products is second to none. They've invested more than $250 million in clinical testing, research and development and have over 90 published studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals--more than any other nutritional company! This company has voluntarily operated as if it were regulated the same as a pharmaceutical company, which I think is a testament to its integrity. In 2003, they introduced a natural pain relief program consisting of three natural products (two oral dietary supplements and one topical pain relief cream). We haven't found anything of better quality anywhere for knee pain relief. Knee pain relief achieved totally naturally My husband has had knee pain and osteoarthritis for many years from injuries occurring as early as age 25. In 1999 he had arthroscopic meniscus cartilage surgery on his left knee. Just prior to his surgery and for four years thereafter, I have seen his knees so swollen and stiff that he could barely get in and out of the car. He had problems getting up and down stairs and extreme stiffness after prolonged sitting. His regimen for many years for control of knee swelling, stiffness, aching and sharp pain was ibuprofen (Advil) and sometimes acetaminophen (Tylenol). At the time of his surgery, his doctor talked about the possibility of knee replacement in the not-too-distant future. After he began using a natural knee pain relief program in earnest in 2004, he has had remarkable improvement on a gradual basis. Today, his knees are in the best shape they've been in more than 10 years. He plays tennis up to four times a week and uses no drug therapy whatsoever. Four featured knee pain relief supplements His knee pain relief program consists of the following natural supplements (click the bold links for product information/prices): Build cartilage and promote flexibility. A combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and clinically-proven cat's claw provides fast relief in as little as one week (dietary supplement). Pain relief tablets. A combination of patent-pending safflower extract and boswellia provides knee pain relief and other overworked joints naturally (dietary supplement). Pain relief cream. A remarkably deep-penetrating combination of natural plant extracts with pain-relieving cool menthol for relief of pain associated with arthritis, backache, bruises, sprains and more with relief for up to four hours (analgesic). Joint health anti aging tonic. Introduced in August, 2008 this multiple patent-pending resveratrol and muscadine based liquid anti-aging supplement fights the diseases of aging at the cellular level, including supporting joint health, heart and cardiovascular health, immune function, while promoting cellular longevity, energy, good health and overall well-being (dietary supplement). In an effort to get away from potentially harmful drugs, you may want to try one or more of these completely natural supplements. I highly recommend them from my husband’s personal experience. Disclaimer: Health statements on this knee pain page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Knee Pain Relief. During their lifetimes, an estimated 45 per cent of Americans will develop knee osteoarthritis, the most common kind of arthritis. Increasing numbers of arthritis patients are seeking alternative natural products that provide pain relief and help the body build cartilage and promote comfortable movement of the knee. Click here for more knee joint information. Joint Pain Relief. Wouldn't it be great if you could have a drug-free future with no harmful side effects and have complete control over your joint pain? And wouldn't it be great if the natural joint pain supplement you used was guaranteed to be completely safe for your health? It's not a dream--all of this is possible.... Click here for more on natural joint pain relief Osteoarthritis Relief. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It affects joints of the knees, hips, fingers, lower spine and neck. Symptoms typically develop gradually. A joint is swollen, sore or stiff at first. Click here for more on osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief Many of the natural or herbal supplements for osteoarthritis are also recommended for rheumatoid arthritis. The patient is trying to obtain the same or improved relief from rheumatoid arthritis without gastrointestinal and other side effects related to drugs. Click here for RA natural treatment options Herbal Pain Relief. In the last twenty years in the United States, the public has become increasingly dissatisfied with the cost and side effect risks of prescription medications. This, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has lifted herbal supplements and alternative medicines to higher popularity in the United States than ever before for treatment of arthritis pain. Click here for background on herbal medicine Return from Knee Pain to Arthritis-Relief Naturally Home Page Health statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Copyright 2008 Arthritis-Relief-Naturally.com Shaklee Authorized Distributor SBI!