Hi,
There are several reasons for pain in the knee. Pain that increases while standing and sitting for long periods of time may be seen with a
muscle strain, muscle imbalances, or with
osteoarthritis.
It would be a good idea to check for swelling compared to the other side by looking at the knees in the mirror. If there is swelling, the following regimen can be attempted.
POLICE is currently the best therapy to treat the symptoms and the underlying condition. POLICE stand for:
- Protection
- Optimal Loading
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Protection involves preventing the knee from getting injured further. This is done by avoiding exercise, excessive standing, or excessive sitting.
Optimal loading involves doing basic rehab exercises like static quad stretches, knee extensions, clam exercises, and knee slides.
Post this, Icing the area for 15 mins every hour can help as well. Lastly, sleeping with raising the legs by placing a few pillows under the leg can help move blood flow to the heart as well.
Some people may benefit from over the counter painkillers as well.
In case all of the above does not help reduce the pain, it would be a good idea to get imaging like
MRI, X-rays, or a
bone density scan done.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Vignan Rachabattuni, General & Family Physician