knee pain Myths from your doctor and friends - that are just simply not true and leave you in pain
Myth #1 - Resting The Knee Is The Best Treatment
In working with people who have had knee pain over the years here in Costa Mesa, the team have heard various myths about knee pain and ideas on how to deal with it. One common myth is that rest is the best treatment. When you’re in pain, rest seems like the natural response. However, prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle weakness and joint stiffness, which can worsen your knee pain over time. The knee joint relies on surrounding muscles for support, and inactivity can lead to muscle atrophy, further destabilizing the joint. While resting for a day or two might help in minor cases, if knee pain persists for a week, two weeks, or more, rest alone is not going to solve the issue. Rest is often overstated as a recovery option.
There is substantial evidence that points to movement as being a crucial component for maintaining healthy joints. Here’s why:
- Improves Blood Flow: Movement increases circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the injured area, promoting healing.
- Strengthens Muscles: Active engagement of muscles around the knee provides better support and stability to the joint.
- Reduces Inflammation: Gentle movements can help reduce inflammation and prevent fluid buildup in the joint.
Myth #2 - It’s Part Of Getting Older
Another myth is that knee pain is just a part of getting older. This is not true either. While age-related changes in the body can contribute to knee pain, such as the wear and tear of cartilage or the development of osteoarthritis, several other factors play significant roles in the development of knee pain. Staying active throughout life is important, and changes in habits or activity levels can be precursors to knee pain, but aging alone does not guarantee the development of knee pain.
Knee pain is more likely to develop as a result of injuries or overuse than any age-related concern. Athletes and active adults engaging in strenuous activity are at risk of developing knee pain, regardless of their age.
Myth #3 - Knee Pain Is Genetic
A third myth is that knee pain is purely genetic or due to specific activities. While genetics can play a role, it doesn’t mean that if a family member has knee pain, you will too. The causes of knee pain are varied, and it’s not always due to genetics, aging, or specific activities.
Taking a holistic approach to knee pain involves considering all potential contributing factors rather than attributing them solely to genetics. Preventive measures such as regular exercise, weight management, proper footwear, and addressing injuries promptly can significantly reduce the risk of knee pain.
Myth #4 - Painkillers Solve Knee Pain
Another misconception is that taking medication or painkillers will solve knee pain. While medication can help alleviate symptoms, it doesn’t address the root cause. Pain medication may mask the symptoms, but it doesn’t fix the underlying issue. Often, after the medication wears off, the pain returns when engaging in activities or hobbies. Relying solely on pills or medication does not effectively address or resolve the true cause of knee pain.
Painkillers work by interrupting the body’s pain signals or reducing inflammation. While this can provide temporary relief, it does not target the mechanical or structural issues causing the pain. For example, if knee pain is due to muscle imbalances, ligament damage, or cartilage wear, these underlying problems remain unaddressed by medication alone.
What’s more, long-term use of painkillers can cause cardiovascular problems and kidney damage. Stronger prescribed drugs also carry a high risk of addiction and can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect, and ultimately may not provide sustainable pain management.
Are You Upset, Unsure Or Even Confused About These Myths That People You Trusted Have Told You - Which Have Probably Led To MORE KNEE PAIN ?
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Simply click the button below, and arrange a free telephone consultation with our expert team who can answer your questions, listen to your story, and end your uncertainty, confusion and frustration.