With age, the cartilage between the knee joints tends to get damaged due to wear and tear. The primary function of the cartilage is to act as a shock absorber and help reduce the rubbing of bones leading to friction. Inefficient cartilage being unable to provide the cushion results in stiffness and pain in the knees, which may sometimes cause immobility and the formation of bone spurs. You may sound a popping and cracking sound in the knee joint. This condition refers to knee crepitus [ข้อ เข่า มีเสียง]. This ailment may be due to osteoarthritis, which needs timely diagnosis and proper treatment for curing the condition.
What are the medications?
The medication for crepitus treatments generally includes over-the-counter drugs like some common pain killers. It is not advisable to consume these medicines for more than ten days without consulting your physician. The longer you take these medicines, the higher are the chances of side effects. It will be better to use prescribed inflammatory drugs if over-the-counter medicines fail to give the desired result. The doctors sometimes take the help of corticosteroid injection for the treatment as they can act as a lubricant between the knee bones. The application of topical creams consisting of capsaicin or glucosamine may be effective in giving relief.
What are the exercises?
You can control the symptoms of crepitus by involving in physical therapies. The doctor may suggest involving in physical exercises two to three times a day for thirty minutes. It will help if you practice walking for at least thirty minutes a couple of times each day during the initial recovery period. Some exercises like straight leg raise, quadriceps sets, ankle pumps, and others are beneficial for a fast recovery. The exercises help prevent blood clots by enhancing the smooth circulation of blood in the legs and feet. You may experience pain and swell in your knee after the activities. The application of ice compression will help you get relief. Sincere and continuous physical activities like walking, climbing, exercycle is essential to regain your strength and mobility.
