Knee bursitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling around the knee. The most common symptom of this condition is inflammation and stiffness in the joint. This can make it difficult to move around and perform everyday activities. If you are suffering from knee bursitis, there are a few home treatments that you can try to relieve your symptoms. In this article, we will discuss five of the best home treatments for knee bursitis.
Knee bursitis can be a painful condition. The best way to treat it is to see your doctor, but some home treatments can help. Here are five treatments for knee bursitis that you can do at home:
If you are suffering from knee bursitis, it is important to take a break from your normal activities. This will give your body time to heal and prevent further damage to the joint. Try to avoid high-impact activities such as running or jumping. Instead, focus on low-impact activities such as walking or swimming. Rest is one of the most important home treatments for knee bursitis because it allows the inflamed bursa to heal properly. Too much activity can irritate the bursa and delay healing.
One of the best ways to reduce pain and swelling is to use ice packs. Ice can help to numb the area and reduce inflammation. Try applying an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Instead, wrap the ice pack in a towel or piece of cloth. You can also take a cold bath or shower to help relieve your symptoms. Spend about 15 minutes in the cold water and then slowly increase the temperature until it is warm. Do not stay in the cold water for too long as this can irritate your skin.
Some over-the-counter medications can help to treat knee bursitis. These include ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications can help to reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully. Do not take more medication than is recommended as this can be harmful. If you are allergic to these medications, do not take them. Instead, speak to your doctor about other options.
If you are suffering from knee bursitis, it is important to keep the joint elevated. This will help to reduce swelling. Try lying down with your leg propped up on a pillow. You can also try sitting in a chair with your leg propped up on a stool or another chair. Keep the affected area elevated for at least 30 minutes, several times a day.
Stretching can help to reduce pain and stiffness in the joint. Try doing some gentle stretches for the knee, such as hamstring stretches or quadriceps stretches. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds and repeat several times. Do not overstretch as this can irritate the bursa and do not force your body into a stretch. If you feel any pain, stop immediately.
If you are suffering from knee bursitis, there are a few home treatments that you can try before seeking medical help. We have listed five of the most common treatments in this article, and we encourage you to give them a try before scheduling an appointment with your doctor. However, if the pain is unbearable or persists for more than a week or two, please do not hesitate to call us today. Our team of experts will be happy to help you get relief from your knee bursitis symptoms.
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top-ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
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stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com