I have over 300 pounds to lose, so it's no wonder my knees ache. But about a month ago they started hurting so badly I could hardly walk. I know I overused them at work one day and then the pain gradually got worse. I can barely stand after sitting for even ten minutes. It hurts to stand for long periods. Basically the only relief I get is from sleeping on my stomach. I guess the compression of the mattress and my leg weight helps? Anyway, I need a way to decrease my pain until I can lose more weight. If anyone has suggestions, I'm open to them. I'm already taking 600mg of ibuprofen a day and trying to walk at least around my complex daily.
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Being overweight causes so many problems but hopefully you are on a good weight loss program. Be sure your doctor checks for under-active thyroid as well as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis so he will know what may be causing some of your problems other than just your weight.
This is what my doctor recommended for shoulder pain but will help with any type of joint pain.
Do use "RICE." Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is good for shoulder or knee pain caused by a minor injury or an arthritis flare. Give your knee some rest, apply ice to reduce swelling (20 minutes), wear a compression bandage or soft knee brace, and keep your knee elevated.
Also you may want to consider using corticosteroids, which can be used up to 2 or 3 times a year to relieve severe pain, and hyaluronic acid, which can help replenish lubricating substances in the knee. You would have to talk to your doctor about these treatments.
Now some people may laugh, but I found that horse liniment helped my pain more than any other medication or rub. Just be sure to choose a horse liniment labeled as safe for human use. Read the ingredients - NO DMSO as it is not for human use to treat muscle and joint pain, and it may be dangerous. I use Absorbine horse liniment as they make a human version.
Here is an excellent web site that has a lot of suggestions about knee pain:
www.webmd.com/
Wow! Thanks for all of this! I will absolutely look into all of these. I am willing to try just about anything at this point because of the pain. What worries me is that my knees have only been hurting this badly for about five weeks or so. Before that, the pain was not even a fourth as intense. I think I hurt the right knee at work, then relied more on my left leg. This caused both to hurt and never stop. I had an x-ray yesterday, so I'll see what the doc says and go from there.
I did have three cortisone shots about a decade ago, in about a two-year period. I pulled my rotator cuff at work and fell down the steps and hurt my back. All three shots were given in the tush and alleviated most of my pain. I still have small flare ups in my shoulder, but active-on joint pain helps. I thought about just asking the doc for another shot, or going to the ER. My knee pain is akin to an abscessed tooth, but luckily slightly better. This is why appreciate all of your ideas so much! I just need some relief!
I was once overweight and found knee braces to be very helpful. I still use similar ones when I run and I feel no pain:
www.braceability.com/
Thank you for responding! I think knee braces would help, or compression sleeves, but my legs are so big that I can't find any that will fit. Well, I can't find any within my budget anyway. I thought about just wrapping my knees with ace bandages and see if that works.
Compression hosiery and knee braces.
I am currently searching for affordable compression sleeves that will fit my legs. So far, I have found nothing. Either they are crazy expensive because of the size I need or they are too small and cheap.
I just bought my mate compression socks out of a catalog they have magnets in them . He said they really help a lot and at night I rub vicks on his legs and on his feet. He has been doing way better now.
believe it or not, rubbing alcohol actually gives the short term temporary relief it was used for in the old days! and once or twice i have used vodka (Externally) for very short-term numbing effect-it really does work.
Hey! I will definitely buy some rubbing alcohol and ask the doc about those patches! Thanks!
Salonpas strips. All natural and relieve my knee pain.
Hey. How long did these take to work for you? I bought some and wore them for several hours, but it didn't help. Maybe I just have too much fat over my knee for it to reach the joint.
Sleeping on your stomach may not be the best position for your condition but of course you have to be comfortable to be able to sleep.
Think about trying sleeping on your back with a pillow or two under your knees for support.
Or maybe sleeping on your side with pillow(s) between your knees.
Please remember that changing sleeping patterns may not be comfortable in the beginning as your body and mind has to adjust.
I had completely stopped sleeping on my stomach because I have sleep apnea. I can't wear my mask unless I sleep on my back or side, but my knees hurt so bad after being in either position for too long. Instead, I have been trying to turn over on my stomach a couple times a night to relieve the pain, but just for a few minutes. It is amazing how much better they feel after. I will definitely try to use a pillow under and between my knees tonight. I appreciate you responding!
First, be sure you're taking your NSAIDS with food to protect your stomach. Have you tried exercises designed for the knees or asprin creme? Good luck!
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