Knee pain and soreness can occur for several reasons. Often, the problem is due to a simple injury, such as a sprain, while engaged in sports or exercising. At other times, the soreness and pain is the result of an operation. Some type of ongoing health issues, such as osteoporosis or arthritis, can also cause knee problems. Knowing the origin of the discomfort makes it easier to determine how to treat the pain and achieve some degree of relief.
With sprains, ligament tears, or knee strains, knee swelling often begins to occur immediately. In order to reduce the swelling and minimize the chances of developing knee soreness, it is a good idea to rest the leg in an upraised position. While the leg is resting, apply ice directly to the area of the swelling. Once the swelling subsides, wrapping the knee with athletic bandages can also minimize the soreness. The bandage should be secure enough to support the knee as the sprain or strain heals, but not so tight that it interferes with circulation.
In situations where the pain is the result of a surgical procedure, the most effective approach is to keep the leg elevated, and use compression bandages to help the knee stay in place. Painkillers may be administered, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs to ease the possibility of swelling. There is also the possibility of physical therapy as the knee heals. When the therapy is conducted under the watchful eye of a trained physical therapist, the efforts help to strengthen the knee and make it possible to regain a full range of use over time.
Conditions such as bursitis, arthritis, and osteoporosis can all lead to knee soreness and pain. If there is no inflammation present, the use of heat can often bring some relief from the soreness. A heating pad works very well, or you can place table salt in an old sock and heat it for a short time in a microwave. Make sure to not leave the heat applied to the area for long periods, as this could irritate the skin.
In some cases, self-treatment for the sore knee is not the best approach. When home remedies and resting the knee does not seem to be working, see a medical professional immediately, as there may be underlying health issues that have not yet been diagnosed and treated. The healthcare professional can examine the knee, tendons, and surrounding tissue to determine the origin of the soreness, and advise you on what needs to be done. Depending on the origin, you may require prescription medication to kill an infection, physical therapy, or surgery to correct the underlying problem and eventually eliminate the pain.
