Why PRP Therapy Has Become a Popular Treatment
Platelet-rich plasma therapy concentrates parts of your own blood and then uses the resulting serum to help you heal more quickly. Read on to learn more about this state-of-the-art treatment.
Few things can make getting around as challenging as knee pain. Every year millions of people visit their doctors looking for relief. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce discomfort and get moving again.
Here at our office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Woodson and our highly trained staff treat injuries and provide preventive care using the latest and most technologically advanced therapies and procedures for the best possible results. Whether you're an adult, teen, or child, we can address all your orthopedic needs from knee pain to shoulder issues and more.
Most people don't think about their knees until they experience discomfort or pain, but these large hinge joints accomplish a lot, allowing us to do everything from stand and walk to run and jump. Bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments work together to keep them stable, but with so many moving parts, things can go wrong due to injury, arthritis, infections, and more.
If knee pain doesn't go away after a couple of days, it's important to schedule an appointment with our team. For discomfort that is severe, for example, if your leg buckles under weight or your knee is dislocated, getting a medical evaluation immediately is crucial.
While in some cases knee pain can lead to procedures like injections, stem therapy, or surgery, often lifestyle changes can solve the problem. For example:
When an injury initially occurs, following the "PRICE" recommendation can help bring relief. Take a break from exercise or vigorous activity to prevent further injury and rest to help the area heal. Decrease inflammation and swelling with ice and wrap it with a bandage or other compression device for support. When possible raise the leg higher than the heart to help circulation and lessen swelling.
Exercises like walking, swimming, water aerobics, biking, yoga, and tai chi can strengthen the leg muscles, which helps provide better support for your knee joints. It can also improve the health of cartilage tissue.
Carrying extra pounds puts excess weight and strain on your joints. It can also increase inflammation throughout the body including in the knees. A diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and fiber and low in fat and sugar can help with weight issues and keep your body healthy.
Many everyday actions have repercussions when it comes to knee pain. When sitting avoid chairs and couches that you have to sink into and strain your knees to rise out of. Choose supportive shoes with good arches to prevent knee issues. When standing, take breaks periodically to keep joints from becoming stiff and painful.
Massage — and massage with essential oils like ginger and orange among others — may help with the pain. Acupuncture may also provide some relief if you are experiencing osteoarthritis in the knee.
If you're experiencing knee pain, call our office today at 405-233-3602 for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
