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InstaCare Online

Knee Pain, Mild

Care at Home

Knee Pain after Overuse: Muscle strain and joint irritation are very common following vigorous activity. Such activities include sports like tennis and basketball, jogging, and certain types of work.
- Local Cold: Apply a cold pack or ice bag (wrapped in a towel) to the area for no more than 20 minutes at at time. Repeat in 1 hour, then every 4 hours while awake. Continue this for the first 48 hours after an overuse injury. Reason: reduce the swelling and pain.
- Local Heat: Beginning 48 hours after an injury, apply a warm washcloth or heating pad for 10 minutes three times a day to help increase circulation and improve healing.
Rest Your Knee for the next couple days. Avoid activities that worsen your pain. Reduce activities that put a lot of strain on the knee joint (e.g., deep knee bends, stair climbing, running).
Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g., Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g., Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug.
- Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
Expected Course: If your knee pain does not get better during the next week or if it recurs, then you should make an appointment with your doctor.
IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.