Home Care for Knee injuries

Careful attention and self-nurturing can help heal knee pain caused by excessive joint use or injuries from vigorous physical activities like sports. Self treatment at home can include:

• Resting, and refraining from putting weight on the injured joint to avoid worsening the pain.
• Icing the injury. Immediately applying an ice compress for 15 minutes every hour can help alleviate the pain of a knee injury. A day after the injury, ice application can be undertaken every 6 hours.
• Elevate the knee. Keeping the knee above the level of the heart helps to reduce swelling.
• Wear supportive apparatus. Donning an ace bandage or elastic brace available at most pharmacies can keep the swelling down and provide joint support.
• Painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling can relieve discomfort.
• Before sleeping, place a pillow under or between the knees to elevate and support the injured joint.