Home Remedy For Knee Pain & Swelling

Home remedies/Alternative treatments to treat knee pain

A number of home remedies have the ability to dramatically reduce or even eliminate knee pain that is caused by a number of factors. Some of the most popular home remedies are briefly discussed below.
1. RICE 
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This simple treatment can provide relief to most types of knee pain
Studies have shown that steam baths have the ability to reduce knee pain by improving the blood circulation around the knees, thereby reducing inflammation. A slight massaging of the knee, while in the steam bath, can help make this remedy all the more effective

2. Herbal Pack
Several herbal remedies such as dried ginger, wintergreen, Devil’s claw, Cat’s claw and a few other herbs have also been very effective at reducing or even eliminating pain in the knees

3. Bishop's weed
A great and simple remedy that almost anyone can try is by mixing a powdered form of Bishop’s weed seeds into a glass of warm water that is then ingested

4. Wheat Paste
You can also try another innovative home remedy that will require you to create a paste using the following ingredients. Castor, wheat, turmeric and Goat’s milk. If you can’t find any goat’s milk, just use some clarified butter instead. This paste does wonders when it is applied on the area of the knee that is generating the pain

5.Massaging
Another simple home remedy simply involves the light massaging of the knee area, with some easily available oils like coconut oil, mustard oil or even olive oil. Just be sure to warm up the oil a little bit and also use it about three times in a day, to get adequate relief

6. YOGA
Some very specific yoga exercises and certain physiotherapy type exercises can also go a long way in helping you reduce or even eliminate knee pain. More of that is discussed just a little bit later

Natural Home practices for Knee Swelling

Rest and protect an injured or sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness. When resting, place a small pillow under your knee.
Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day.
For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between heat and cold treatments.
Compression, or wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling.
Don't wrap it too tightly, since this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage.
Don't expect the bandage to protect or stabilize a knee injury.
Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours. A more serious problem may be present.
Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.
Reduce stress on your sore knee (until you can get advice from your doctor):
Use a cane or crutch in the hand opposite your painful knee.
Use two crutches, keeping weight off the leg with the sore knee. You can get canes or crutches from most pharmacies. Crutches are recommended if a cane causes you to walk with a limp.
Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the injured area if it causes pain.
Try the following exercises to maintain flexibility:
Hamstring stretch
Knee-to-chest exercise
Avoid high-impact exercise, such as running, skiing, snowboarding, or playing tennis, until your knee is no longer painful or swollen.
Do not smoke. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair.


Other Natural Remedies

Swelling of the knee can be an uncomfortable and painful experience that may affect your ability to move freely and comfortably. Many people that suffer from inflammation are now turning to natural remedies as an alternative to pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medications which often have unwanted side-effects.

Homeopathic ingredients such as Magnesium phosphoricum and Matricaria recutita both have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and both are renowned for their soothing effect on aching muscles and stiff joints.

Arnica is also a well known ingredient that helps promote the healing of connective tissue, cartilage and bones while Dulcamara is another excellent anti-inflammatory often used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

The ingredients Bryonia and Berberis are also excellent when trying to relieve inflamed joints. In addition, the homeopathic ingredient Rhus tox can be used to relieve pain and stiffness, and works well to heal fibrous tissue, markedly joints, tendons, and sheaths.

Foods to Help Reduce Knee Swelling

Following a healthy diet will promote overall strength, health and vitality in the body to avoid many of the causes of knee swelling such as obesity, and certain foods can even help reduce existing swelling.

Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries – 3 berries rich in vitamin C – help promote collagen, a key component to cartilage and bone, which can help prevent wear and tear on the joints that can lead to pain and swelling. Vitamin C is also provides great antioxidant benefits that can reduce osteoarthritis inflammation and swelling. Other foods rich in vitamin C include broccoli, red peppers, citrus fruits, cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach.
Foods rich in vitamin B may help reduce joint inflammation and pain, including lean meat, fish, eggs, soybeans, whole grain cereals, and lentils.
Women concerned with osteoporosis should choose foods high in vitamin D to protect their joints, including fortified dairy products and fish.
Avoid processed foods whenever possible – they generally are high in sodium, which increases swelling.
Omega-3 fats have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain. Salmon, flax seed, and walnuts are great sources of this essential fatty acid.

How to Prevent and Reduce Knee Swelling

If you have knee swelling or soreness that lasts longer than 48 hours, or is accompanied by intense pain or a fever, then you should seek medical attention where a proper diagnosis can be made and any underlying conditions ruled out.

Avoid putting weight on the sore, swollen knee as much as possible until the swelling has gone down.

Use a cold compress. Wrap some crushed ice in a cloth and keep it on your knee for 20 minutes on to help reduce swelling. Repeat this every 2-4 hours, and when using the compress, be sure to keep your knee elevated using pillows.

If you suffer from arthritis in the knee, then it is important to keep up with stretching and toning exercises. These exercises can help to warm and stretch the muscles and are especially useful after long periods of rest.

Regular exercise to improve muscle tone and fitness can be very beneficial. Remember not to push yourself too hard if you are unfit. Choose a gentle exercise that won’t cause pain such as yoga or swimming.

If you are over-weight then now is a great time to consider losing weight naturally. Excess weight places extra pressure on all the joints and muscles, especially those in the knees and ankles.
Massage is a great alternative treatment to complement other treatments for knee swelling, as therapeutic touch helps release endorphins and other pain-relieving chemicals, plus supports healthy circulation to promote