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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
Knee pain is common and can have different causes. To avoid making the situation worse, some actions should be favored and others should be avoided. An update with Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
Called gonalgia in medical jargon, knee pain is very common and has different causes. To avoid suffering from your knee(s), follow these 5 tips from Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
Rest
To combat back pain, it is recommended not to lie down but to move. For the knee, it is the opposite.Avoid putting stress on the painful knee. Give it rest to allow the tissues to heal.” recommends Dr. Gerald Kierzek. But don’t sit all day either.Limit activities that aggravate pain, but do not avoid exercise completely; a minimum of non-traumatic activity is beneficial for maintaining mobility.” adds the doctor.
Apply ice
Cold is an excellent pain reliever in some cases. “Use cold compresses or ice packs to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Apply the ice for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day, being careful not to apply it directly to the skin.” advises the expert.
Raise the knee
“Elevate your leg when sitting or lying down to help reduce swelling. This also helps promote venous return and reduce discomfort.” recommends Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
Use a knee pad
To help you move, “Wearing a soft knee brace can provide extra support and relieve pain, especially during movement” assures our emergency doctor. “However, make sure it is not too tight to avoid any discomfort.”
Consult a professional
These tips are good for getting through temporary pain.”If the pain persists or worsens, consult a doctor (general practitioner, traumatologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist or sports doctor) or a physiotherapist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan..
The five things to avoid
Don’t ignore the pain
Some people don’t listen to themselves and will force their knee, despite the pain.Avoid minimizing or ignoring knee pain. Ignoring symptoms can worsen an underlying injury and lead to long-term complications.” warns the medical director of Doctissimo.
Do not engage in high-impact activities
“Avoid sports or exercises that put intense stress on the knee, such as jogging on hard surfaces, jumping or sports with sudden changes in direction.”
Don’t stay still for too long
Rest is necessary, but not completely.”While it is important to rest the knee, avoid remaining still for long periods of time as this can lead to joint stiffness. Incorporate gentle movements to maintain flexibility.” advises our expert.
Do not wear inappropriate shoes
Wearing good shoes is essential to support the knees.Avoid shoes that do not provide good support or are worn out, as this can aggravate knee pain. Choose shoes that are appropriate for your physical activity and foot posture, especially during physical activities. An examination by a podiatrist or in a specialist store will help you” recommends Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
Don’t neglect your weight
Finally, you may need to consider losing weight, if you are overweight.”Try to manage your weight, as excess weight puts extra pressure on your joints, including your knees, which can make pain worse.” he concludes.
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