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Ibuprofen Therapy for Knee Pain

Knee pain is one of the more common complaints people face as they age, but even young people can suffer from knee pain. The knee is a complex joint arranged in such a way that it is prone to injury. The knee can twist, rotate, push, pull, straighten, and perform huge feats of physical exertion. Because of the stress the knee endures, it often will ache after hard use. Ibuprofen is one of the more common, and more successful, therapies that people can use on their aching knees.

  1. NSAIDs

    • Ibuprofen belongs to a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which are the drug of choice for arthritis and joint pain. These drugs work by reducing inflammation and stiffness as well as treating pain. Since a majority of pain in many knee cases is caused by swelling and stiffness, these drugs are the perfect choice to break the cycle of inflammation and pain. Be sure to check with your doctor concerning dosing and possible side effects. When taken at high levels for a long period of time, there is risk of serious side effects, such as cardiovascular problems, liver and kidney damage, and ringing in the ears. Ibuprofen is a good choice for treatment during the short term, but breaks must be taken to ensure good overall health.

    Dosage and Timing

    • Timing is the key when using ibuprofen. As soon as you feel the pain you should take your maximum allowable first dose. Again, this will be something your doctor will have gone over with you. Then, depending on the severity of the pain, you will need to follow the label instructions and take more medication at the time recommended on the bottle. This dosing by time period helps keep a level amount of the medicine in your bloodstream, making sure that the pain does not "get ahead" of you.

    Warning

    • Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, especially if used in large doses and for long periods of time. It is important to eat something when you take this medication to avoid stomach upset. It is also not a good idea to take the medication for more than seven days at a time, unless instructed by your doctor. Ibuprofen therapy can be very helpful for knee pain, but it is important to follow the directions given by a medical professional.

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