Remedy for Arthritis in the Knee

Knee arthritis is a degenerative condition in which cartilage and synovial membranes (sac containing joint fluid) in the knee have eroded, causing friction between connecting bones. Knee arthritis is more common as a person ages. Symptoms can include deep aching, stiffness and swelling in the knee joint. Remedy or treatment usually includes a combination of rest, ice, heat, mediation and rehabilitation exercises.

Rest, Ice & Heat

• If you have arthritis in your knee you will need rest to prevent further inflammation in your knee joint. During this time, you can wear a knee brace to support your knee when mobility is necessary.

  Use ice at 20-minute intervals about every three to four hours for reducing inflammation and pain. Keep the ice compressed directly against your knee when icing it. Ice should be used during the first 48 hours after any arthritic flare-up in the knee.

  Once the initial swelling has subsided, you can use heat (heating pads) to promote blood (with its healing properties) flow to the affected area.

Medications

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce inflammation and pain from knee arthritis. These medications are Cox-2 inhibitors which reduce inflammation and consequential pain by controlling the effects of Cox-2 enzymes and prostaglandins (chemicals), the body's natural inflammatory response to joint irritation. For more severe pain, your doctor may put you on prescription medications such as tramadol or Celebrex.

Supplements

• Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin have been known to be an effective remedy for knee arthritis. Glucosamine, a natural compound in knee cartilage, and chondroitin, a complex carbohydrate, can both add to existing knee cartilage and enhance synovial fluid (bursa sac lubrication) supply in the knee joint. There are a number of brands available at drug stores such as Trigosamine and Arthri-Flex Advantage.

Exercises

• Womenfitness.net recommends a series of 10 exercises for arthritis of the knee, which can be performed by men or women. Following are several you can do at home:

  Lie on your back with a rolled up towel under your arthritic knee. Use an ankle weight if you have one or tie a small can of vegetables around your ankle. Slowly press down on the towel for a few seconds, then straighten your leg and lift your ankle. Relax. Repeat several times.

  Sit in a chair. Slowly lift your foot up and straighten it. Tense your thigh muscle for 10 seconds, then lower your foot back down. Repeat 10 times.

  Sit on the floor with your feet together and knees bent outward. Slowly push down on both knees. Hold that position, relax, then repeat up to 10 times.

  Place one foot on a chair while keeping the other one on the ground. Bend your hip forward with your leg straight. Stretch your hamstring, relax, and repeat 10 times with each leg.