Knee pain can significantly limit daily activities and cause decreased quality of life, but there are ways to treat knee discomfort naturally.
Doctors typically recommend combining natural and drug-based treatments to effectively manage symptoms. These remedies include physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, heat/cold therapies and supportive devices.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has long been used as an effective natural treatment for various illnesses and conditions, including arthritis pain. Also known as Aloe barbadensis miller, this perennial succulent features thick leaves with thick gel inside each one for maximum efficiency.
It contains numerous vitamins, minerals and amino acids for maximum body healing benefits. Furthermore, its rich polysaccharides content supports skin repair.
Gel from this plant has long been used to treat minor cuts and burns, reduce swelling from injuries and speed up healing time. Studies have also demonstrated its anti-inflammatory benefits that help facilitate faster recovery times.
Aloe vera may provide additional relief for neuropathic pain caused by issues with your somatosensory nerve system – the network connecting sensory organs like skin and eyes with your brain.
Studies have demonstrated that aloe vera contains polysaccharides that can alleviate neuropathic pain. You can apply them directly to affected areas as an analgesic topical ointment for best results.
Aloe vera has numerous health advantages, such as its ability to lower blood pressure. Furthermore, it helps increase collagen production for tissue repair.
At home, sauna therapy may also reduce inflammatory compounds in your body, including nitric oxide and prostaglandins which cause joint inflammation, as well as help decrease pain by increasing production of chemicals which promote healing.
Aloe vera should not be taken by people taking digoxin or diuretics because it can reduce potassium levels in their bodies, interfering with absorption.
If you’re seeking alternative means of relieving knee pain, consider trying aloe vera as a natural way of providing pain relief without the side effects associated with over-the-counter drugs. It has proven its worth time after time in relieving discomfort without creating unwanted side effects.
Turmeric
Turmeric can help ease knee and arthritis pain by acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. As an alternative medicine treatment for knee discomfort, turmeric has often been used successfully as an effective solution.
Curcumin, the active component in turmeric, has been demonstrated to effectively soothe joint pain by blocking production of inflammatory chemicals that produce pain in the body. This can be especially useful for people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks healthy joints.
Turmeric’s other advantage lies in its nontoxicity; unlike many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen that may cause harm if taken at high dosages and may harm both stomach and kidneys.
Before taking turmeric or any other supplements, it’s advisable to first consult your physician to make sure they’re suitable. Also note that they could interact with medications you are currently taking so always read labels carefully.
A small randomized trial found that people suffering from knee pain who took three 500-milligram capsules of curcumin daily experienced significant relief and experienced far fewer side effects than those who received an anti-inflammatory medication called diclofenac.
Turmeric, an essential spice in Asian cuisine, is often combined with bromelain – an extract derived from pineapples that increases absorption and effectiveness – to maximize absorption and effects of turmeric.
Homemade topical ointments
If you’re seeking alternative medicines for knee pain, try making your own topical ointments from natural ingredients to relieve your symptoms and promote better blood flow to the joint. These homemade products will soothe any discomfort while increasing circulation to increase joint health and relieve joint discomfort.
Essential oils may also help ease knee pain. A study with elderly participants demonstrated this effectively; black cumin oil rubbed on their knees reduced pain more effectively than taking acetaminophen. For people living with rheumatoid arthritis, applying lemongrass oil reduced their pain.
These oils contain phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied topically, diffused, or taken as supplements.
Frankincense essential oil contains boswellic acids and sesquiterpenes with anti-inflammatory properties, while its rich concentration of terpenoids helps decrease inflammation while increasing blood flow.
Peppermint essential oil may also provide relief for knee pain by creating a sensation of warmth or coldness that temporarily blocks pain receptors.
Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, provides temporary pain relief for osteoarthritis patients. However, multiple applications per day must be applied in order to maintain its effects.
Create your own knee pain relief ointment by mixing together three potent essential oils with coconut oil in a dark glass container to preserve their contents and massaging into hands, knees or wherever the discomfort lies.
Try an ointment containing DMSO, an organic sulfur compound used as a natural remedy for over 50 years to lower inflammation, ease arthritis symptoms and promote joint mobility. It has also been clinically proven to decrease discomfort levels associated with joint movement.
Tai chi
Tai chi is a low-impact form of exercise that may prove helpful for people living with knee arthritis. According to studies, tai chi helps improve joint health while simultaneously relieving discomfort.
Tai Chi is a martial art that emphasizes slow, mindful movements with breath control. This ancient practice can help treat chronic health conditions like arthritis, diabetes and heart disease.
Researchers have revealed that Tai chi can significantly ease pain, stiffness and anxiety for people suffering from chronic diseases and other health conditions. Furthermore, it helps increase balance, flexibility and strength while simultaneously decreasing tension and stiffness in muscles and tendons.
Tai chi can be beneficial to people with limited range of motion in their knees, according to research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Tai chi’s movements compress joints without overstressing them – providing fluid release and nutrients delivery without too much strain on them.
Tai chi can be an excellent form of exercise for older adults with limited mobility who cannot participate in high-impact exercises, like running. According to research, tai chi may even help increase bone density and decrease pain for people living with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Before beginning an exercise program, always consult your physician. They may suggest changes to how or how often you practice Tai chi.
Listening to your body and taking breaks as necessary are keys to practicing Tai chi successfully, so listen and heed any warning signs, like knee discomfort while practicing, before continuing. Consult a medical provider as necessary if any discomfort persists – for instance if your knees hurt while doing Tai chi!
Tai chi classes can be found at recreation centers, health clubs and private studios near your home. When searching for classes tailored specifically to arthritis sufferers it is a good idea to ask whether their instructor has received any special training in treating such symptoms as well as their training with posture and breathing techniques which need an experienced instructor for best results.
Exercise
Exercising can help alleviate knee pain and decrease the risk of future injuries.
Strengthening and stretching exercises designed to strengthen and stretch the muscles that support your knees may help ease pain, increase range of motion, and enhance flexibility. Before beginning an exercise program to address knee pain, however, it is advisable to speak to either a doctor or physical therapist first; they will be able to suggest effective exercises specific to your condition as well as recommend modifications depending on symptoms and causes of knee discomfort.
Strengthening your quadriceps and hamstrings, in particular, can be used to compensate for weak tendons, ligaments, and joints, according to Dr. Lauren Elson of Harvard Medical School’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Instructor Course. These muscles are essential in keeping knee health optimal according to Dr. Lauren Elson who teaches this subject matter.
Stronger muscles can absorb more shock, which will help protect against further knee issues like tendinitis and arthritis. Be sure to start slowly and switch up your exercises regularly in order to prevent overuse injuries.
Diet is also key in managing inflammation, which can cause painful flare-ups. A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates has been found effective at reducing joint inflammation according to research published in Arthritis Care & Research journal.
Heat and cold therapy are another alternative treatment method that may ease knee swelling pain. Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad directly on your knees without overheating the area – just be careful not to overdo it!
Alternative treatment includes using an ice pack to soothe the affected area. A bag of frozen peas or similar compress is effective; just remember not to put too much pressure on your knee as this could result in further injury.