Any holistic recommendations for swollen, painful knees?

Question

My doctor recently advised I have 'arthur' in my left knee. I fell and when xrayed, it was discovered at that time. Often the knee is painful and swells. I have had other problems with this leg including radiation down the leg of numbness, burning and a feeling of being "dead". It hurts to stand for long periods of time. Doctor also indicated something about a 'nerve' in the back which might be responsible. I have taken Ibuproven, Tylenol, etc and nothing helps the pain. It is painful to walk, impossible to walk up or down steps without the 'one-one; two-two step" process. My principal has offered me the schools elevator key, but I was thinking that would only make me more dependant. I want this to get better, and if I can do it with certain exercises and holistic medicines, I'd prefer. The only REAL relief I ever received was a shot of steroids in the knee. It was heaven - but I only know negative about them. Any ideas? Suggestions? I am going back to the ORTHO doctor asap.

Answer 1

If the knee is swollen because of tendonitis or other injury (like falling), icing it for 10 minutes at a time several times a day might help. But I don't know if it helps in arthritis.

Is the "radiation down the leg of numbness, burning, feeling dead" in the back of the leg, down the buttock and thigh? That could be sciatica. Ask the doc if that's what he means by a nerve involvement - and what else you can do for it beside pain meds. Ask the doc for a prescription to a physical therapist; they know how to relieve pain without injections, drugs, etc. Or try a chiropractor; pain relief is their specialty, again with drugs, etc.

If the principal offers you the use of the elevator, by all means take it! You don't need to suffer, and it won't make you dependent, whereas climbing stairs might irritate the knee and make it worse. A physical therapist might be able to teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the knee and reduce the pain eventually. I've been that route - rest and exercises are what helped me.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

R.I.C.E. Is for Rest, Ice, Elevation and Compression. Worked like a charm for me to help with the pain and swelling of my left knee after to much exercise. According to what I read, apply the ice for 20 minutes every 3 hours. I used an ace bandage to wrap the ice around my knee for the compression and I made sure that the knee was elevated above my head while laying down. I saw great results after 3 days and my orthopedic doc said good job when I went to see him just to be sure. I also use a compression brace with magnets that helps tremendously. Hope that helps. Definitely go back and see your doc.

Answer 3

It may be a Bartholin cyst which is caused by a clogged gland in that area. If it does not go away on its own, or gets bigger, you need to see a doctor. Sometimes they have to numb the area and make a small incision so any fluid can drain out. Do not be afraid to tell your mom. It's not something that is caused from sexual contact or an STD. Even non sexually active women get them. The other thing it could be is an infected hair follicle, even if you haven't shaved recently. In which case the doctor may want to give you an antibiotic. So in any case, you should get it checked out.

Answer 4

I have the same problems. I had a spine injury in service. My doctor advised me to diet since I was overweight. My sciatic nerve is very painful. My weight has contibuted much to this problem. Diet and exersize has helped me alot. I hope this helped some if you might be like me and overweight. Also I have tried Tramadol which my Physician gave me and it helped.