Spokane Valley Specialist Shares Insights on Effective Knee Pain Management
Knee joint pain can be excruciating and life-altering, but physical therapy in Spokane Valley can help. Below, find tips on managing pain at home and with help from a physical therapist.
Causes of Knee Pain
Injuries are one of the most common causes of knee pain. Sometimes, injured people will continue to put weight on a hurt leg, which doesn’t give the ligaments and tendons in the knee a chance to heal.
Arthritis is another common cause. In the U.S., about 52.2 million people have arthritis, many of whom struggle with severe knee pain daily.
Lifestyle choices may cause knee pain as well. Obesity and sedentary living can harm the soft tissue in the knees.
At-Home Remedies for Knee Pain Management
Heat and cold therapy are very effective for knee pain management, and neither have any side effects. Heat therapy helps blood flow and eases stiffness, while cold numbs pain and reduces inflammation. Sufferers may also wish to try an over-the-counter pain reliever to take the edge off.
People with chronic knee pain should stick to less strenuous exercises like swimming and elliptical training. These activities do not put as much strain on the knees as high-impact exercises like running.
Weight loss can greatly help with knee pain management for those who are overweight or obese. Regular exercise and eating healthy are key for shedding excess weight. A physical therapist can help patients by creating a diet and exercise plan they can stick to.
Spokane Valley Physical Therapy for Knee Problems
Physical therapy is an excellent option for knee pain relief. A physical therapist may suggest therapeutic massage to promote blood flow or insole wedges for shoes that take the pressure off the knee while walking.
Physical therapists may also offer knee braces to provide extra support for the knee. Additionally, they help patients with exercises to strengthen the knee. Exercises start with mild stretches to get patients used to motion and may then progress to calf raises, leg raises, and hamstring curls.
Lighthouse Physical Therapy Offers Effective Knee Pain Management in Spokane Valley
Knee pain management can be difficult for sufferers to handle on their own, but help is available from Lighthouse Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. This clinic, situated in the heart of Spokane Valley, is a locally owned private practice that promotes holistic wellness through hands-on therapy.
Knee pain sufferers can call Lighthouse Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine today at (509) 928-3443 to get answers to any questions they might have and make an appointment.