Knee pains and joint aches are common problems that affect seniors. Knee pains result from health conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis or injuries like falls and sprains. While severe knee pains may need specialized knee surgery, it may be possible to manage minor issues with natural and home remedies.
Torn cartilages, joint dysfunction, and lack of lubrication in joints can enhance knee pains. Prompt medical attention can stop issues like runners’ knees and tendinitis from developing into severe issues. Ligament issues, fractures, and cracked caps need immediate treatment.
Hot and Cold Compress
Cold compress treatments and hot compress treats are effective in managing knee pains. While this treatment cannot cure the issue or even reduce the intensity of the issue, it can help provide relief from persisting pain. Cold compress is helpful to numb the affected area. A hot compress can help treat knee aches and spasms since it helps improve blood flow in blood vessels and helps release muscle tension.
To perform the cold compress treatment, pack ice cubes in a towel or other cloth and then press the towel to the knee. To perform the hot compress treatment, dip a towel or piece of cloth in hot water, and press the cloth to the area affected by pain. Alternating between the cold compress and hot compress is effective in reducing muscle stiffness. Perform this step for at least 20 minutes every day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been a popular remedy against joint pains and several other illnesses for years. It contains pectin, acetic acid, and malic acid. The acids have anti-inflammatory properties that will help reduce inflammation. All these components are capable of flushing out toxins from the body. You can use it to treat arthritis, muscle soreness, and stiffness.
To prepare an edible concoction, you can mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with warm water. Experts recommend drinking the solution every day till the pain disappears. If you prefer to apply apple cider vinegar to your knees to alleviate the pain, you can mix the vinegar with oil and then massage it into your knees every day. Performing this treatment twice a day will help boost the pace of recovery.
Exercises Using Mild Weights and Weight Management
Regular exercising and a nutrition-rich diet can provide long-term relief from knee pains and other problems. Exercising can help improve bone strength and muscle strength. However, if the knee pain is severe, it may be better to opt for immediate knee surgery or other medical measures. Obesity is a common cause of knee pains and other similar issues. Weight management will help manage issues like arthritis and osteoporosis.
The doctor usually prescribes weight belts that are not heavier than 2.5kg for knee exercises. You can strap the belt to your knees or calf muscles and perform the prescribed exercises. Nutritional supplements like calcium and vitamin tablets are also effective in improving bone strength.
Ginger
Studies show that ginger concentrates are as effective as ibuprofen in treating knee pains and other related pains. Research shows that high concentrated ginger extract is especially effective in treating knee pains that result from arthritis.
Ginger can also help cure pain in knee joints or pain that follows rheumatoid arthritis. Since it has anti-inflammatory properties, ginger extract can also help relieve intense knee pains from injuries and bruises.
You can either consume ginger orally by making ginger teas or other ginger-infused solutions. You can prepare a concoction using warm water and squeezed ginger juice (add lemon for taste).
Drinking ginger-infused drinks can provide lasting relief from knee pains. To prepare a balm or ointment, mix ginger juice with warm oil. Massage the oil into your knees to experience relief from inflammation and pain.
Turmeric
Turmeric has effective anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial properties. The root is also packed with antioxidants. Turmeric contains over 24 anti-inflammatory compounds like COX-2 inhibitors. These compounds can cure knee pain and prevent pains in the future by improving tissue strength. Turmeric can detoxify the body and help prevent infections and pains.
You can either consume turmeric orally by adding it to food or drinks or apply it on your knees. Turmeric milk is a popular remedy for knee pain. To prepare this drink, add a pinch of turmeric to warm milk or boiling milk.
Turmeric is a popular spice in Asian and Indian diets, and you can add it to any drink or dish of your choice. To apply it to your knee, you can mix turmeric juice or powder with water, oil, or honey and then massage it into your knees.
Home Remedies are Effective in Treating Mild Issues
You can treat most knee pains and other knee-related problems with simple home remedies. However, if the issue is severe, it’s maybe best to choose knee surgery or other medical remedies. It’s recommended you consult your doctor and perform necessary scans and tests to identify the cause of the knee pain.
Jana Gray
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