7 Tips For Knee Pain Management

When I tore the meniscus in my left knee (which4. Try to stay ahead of the pain. For example, if I
seems to be the event that started the tumblingknow I'm going to be in the car for any length of
down of the house of cards known as my knees), Itime, like an hour or more, I take Tylenol before
had difficulty getting medical treatment. I was in anleaving for the trip. Sitting with my legs at a 90
HMO and had to be transferred from onedegree angle for extended periods guarantee that I
department to another, each doctor wantedwill be stiff as a board when I arrive.
different tests (MRIs, x-rays), everything had to be5. Sleep. This one was not so obvious to me.
approved by the insurance company and oftenHowever, it has proved to be the most effective of
communication was less than good. A few timesall. I didn't realize the importance of sleeping restfully
authorization for treatment expired before I wasand the impact it has on overall health. I was waking
notified to make an appointment or the appointmentup throughout the night, in pain and sometimes in
had been made but no one gave me the information.tears. I would wake up in the morning feeling like I'd
The delay in getting treatment not only caused mybeen hit by a truck. Icing my knees and taking pain
knee pain to become excruciating, but my shouldersmedication before going to bed has done more for
became injured (from using my arms to lift myself upalleviating the pain than just about anything else.
from a seated position and I developed depression. I6. Avoid walking on uneven surfaces (cobblestone,
learned that chronic pain often sets off depression.fields, mixed terrain like rock, gravel and broken
Depression is caused by a chemical reaction that Iconcrete, sand). These conditions should be avoided
can't explain in medical terms, but it was real. I wasat all times. Noticeable uphill and downhill slopes are
angry, short-tempered, sleepy and medication alonedifficult; walking downhill is especially painful. Stairs are
wasn't relieving the pain.no longer optional for me. I think it's best to avoid
Over the next six months not one of the doctorsstairs if you have knee problems even if you can
who saw me for this condition, gave any suggestionswalk them without too much pain. Walking stairs puts
for pain management. The doctors gave me plentya lot of pressure on the knee and the surrounding
of vicodin, but no one gave recommendations onsupporting ligaments.
how I could work and drive while taking enough to7. If it hurts, don't do it, or do less or it. Any activity
relieve the pain.that is painful is causing damage.
And then I met a woman who'd had several kneeI want to be clear... I take pain medication. I think pain
surgeries. She gave me some tips that were simplemeds have a rightful place in treatment. I could not
and they worked. Here are a few of her tips andlive as full a life as I do without pain medication. My
some I have developed:experience has been that since learning to pay
1. Sleep on your back with a pillow or bolster underattention to the situations where I'm likely to cause
your knees.myself more pain, and practicing ways to avoid
2. Whenever possible, elevate your legs when sitting.creating more pain, I've been happier and healthier.
A recliner with a foot rest is perfect for this. I havePain medication combined with pain management has
a lift chair and love it.allowed me to live a full life.
3. Ice, ice, ice. Especially before going to bed. That'sTo prevent further damage, and pain, slow down,
the most important time. When I remember to dowatch where you're stepping and be proactive in
this, I always feel better in the morning than when Iyour pain management program. You can once again
don't.love your life.