How To Manage A Flare of Knee Osteoarthritis At Home

One day, an elderly patient asked me, “Dr. Chester, it’s annoying to move and walk around when my knee arthritis flares up. What would you say is the best home remedy I can do?” I showed the techniques and explained the concepts for her to understand. Then, I told her I would write a blog to give her a simple guide and a reminder.

Man sitting on couch and clutching is knee due to Osteoarthritis pain

Dealing with knee osteoarthritis attacks at home can be depressing. When the pain and stiffness intensify, you can’t rest or sleep. While medical care and physical therapy are critical in recovery, even going for a check-up is rough. So, you should know the effective home strategies to ease the pain and swelling in times like this.

During flare-ups, the tissues in your knee joint are fragile. The more you force yourself to walk around, the worse it becomes. Your body weight pressure may also accelerate the erosion of your joints. This painful stage is the protective level, and you should avoid stressing your knee. Your priority should be to speed up the inflammatory process.

Here are some safe and effective ways to help you manage knee OA at home during the painful and swollen stage.

Manage Pain with Prescription Medicine

First, take the medicine prescribed by your doctor for knee osteoarthritis. This treatment is more specific and efficient. In addition, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can also be effective during flare-ups. Many people, though, avoid taking painkillers. They prefer to bear the pain and wait until symptoms disappear. They try to endure, even when it disturbs their sleep, until the condition got worse and they can’t bear it any longer. Their function is also affected, and the joint becomes very fragile. Then, they decide to take the meds.

Pain medication is not only helping you with the pain. It also helps heal the inflamed tissue and accelerate your recovery.

Should You Apply Cold or Hot?

Both heat and cold therapy can help relieve pain, depending on your symptoms. During a flare-up when the knee is inflamed, choose cold. The swelling fluid becomes like a glue, which disrupts blood flow and stiffens the joint. In addition, it increases the pressure and frailty of your tissues. This episode, in turn, leads to more cycles of pain and inflammation.

Elevate and Support the Knee

You have to employ what is needed to reduce swelling aggressively. This fluid creates adverse side effects in your knee even after it has subsided. Elevating your knee above heart level helps drain the swelling with the help of gravity. Use a pillow to support your leg and reduce pressure on the joint.

Rest, But Don’t Overdo It

During a flare-up, you need some rest to reduce inflammation. However, avoid prolonged rest, leading to stiffness and muscle weakness. Instead, you must move your knee gently but avoid activities that provoke the pain. Moreover, include pain-free movements like bending and extending your knee, as well as moving your hips and ankles.

Gently Move Your Knees & Activate Your Muscles

Start with gentle exercises when severe pain and swelling subside. Your aim is to reactivate the muscles and gradually increase motion. Movement can loosen stiffness and improve joint health, but there should be no increase in pain during exercises.

Try these low-impact exercises to start gaining back your function:

  1. Seated Knee Bend: Gently slide your heel toward your buttocks while seated, then extend your leg. Repeat 10 to 20 times, 3 sets.
  2. Seated Leg Extensions: Sit in a chair and slowly straighten your leg. Hold it for eight seconds before lowering it. Repeat 10 to 20 times for three sets.
  3. Hip Adduction Exercise: While seated, put a pillow or a ball in between your legs and squeeze. Repeat 20 times for three sets.
  4. Hip Abduction Exercise: While seated, put pressure on each side of your knee with your hand. Then, resist while opening and closing your hips. Repeat 20 times for three sets.
  5. Seated Marching in Place: Lift one knee at a time towards the chest. Repeat 20 times for three sets.

Wear Supportive Gear and Comfortable Shoes

A knee brace or compression sleeve can provide stability and reduce swelling. Opt for a brace that matches your activity level and comfort. A comfortable pair of shoes also helps cushion and distribute the pressure in your joints.

Use Assistive Devices When Walking

During a flare-up, you should use a cane or a walker to reduce strain on your knee. Position the cane in the hand opposite your affected knee for optimal support. At this stage, you are still prone to knee joint erosion. It would help if you protect your knee.

Know When to Seek Medical Help

If a flare-up lasts longer than usual or symptoms worsen significantly, please consult your doctor. Severe symptoms with sudden redness, sharp pain, or fever need immediate attention.

Your Legs Become Weaker Than You Think

After the attack subsided, don’t just settle without pain. The symptoms may be gone, but your legs become weaker than usual. In addition, there may be residue stiffness in the joint. When you start returning to normal function but do not regain your strength, you tend to put a lot of pressure on your joints. The strain may provoke inflammation and slowly erode your joint, leading to another episode.

CT Physical Therapy Care, Your Path to Regain Knee Function

Our therapist offers targeted exercises and proven techniques to regain your optimal knee function. This includes:

  1. Helping to relieve your pain through modalities and hands-on therapy.
  2. Improving range of motion and regain the ability to perform daily activities.
  3. Regaining your strength, protect your knees, and build resistance.
  4. Training your legs to keep up with daily functions.

Invest in your health and take the first step for a better knee function today! Call us now at 718-255-6229 to set up your first visit.