- For mild knee injuries, many orthopedic surgeons will recommend the R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression and elevate). You will rest your knee by walking with crutches or staying off it completely. Then you will ice the knee to help with swelling, and add a snug, but comfortable, compressive bandage to the knee. Finally, you will keep the knee elevated to continue with the healing process.
- Some injuries require you to exercise the knee to help with healing. Many doctors will recommend low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking and cycling as a way to strengthen the muscles in the knee without causing injury to the joints. Chondromalacia knee injuries are a type of injury that often requires low-impact exercise.
- Many doctors will recommend a muscle-strengthening physical therapy program for a knee injury consisting of a minor tear, as long as the pain and the other symptoms associated with the injury are gone. Injuries that may require physical therapy include meniscus and cruciate ligament tears.
- Osteoarthritis of the knee is often treated with ibuprofen such as Advil and Motrin or with acetaminophen, aspirin or other anti-inflammatories that will help with the inflammation and pain associated with these types of knee problems. Weight loss may be recommended to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.
- If an injury is severe enough, it may require arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery involves a small camera being used to view the joints in the knee. The camera gives surgeons the opportunity to properly diagnose and treat knee injuries. Common injuries that may require arthroscopic surgery are severe meniscus tears, chondromalacia and severe cruciate ligament tears.
- A simple knee brace can help with swelling and protect the knee from further injury. Depending on the injury, a doctor may recommend a brace for a set period of time, in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
R.I.C.E.
Low-Impact Exercise
Physical Therapy
Medications & Weight Loss
Arthroscopic Surgery
Knee Brace
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