Knee pain is a common musculoskeletal problem among Americans that occurs at any age and is often caused by soft tissue injuries such as damaged ligaments or joint cartilage. A significant percentage of knee pain is caused by other health problems, including infections and various types of arthritis. Herbal treatments for knee pain may help reduce your infammation and relieve your discomfort, but you should first check with your health care provider to see if herbs are safe for you to use.
Knee Pain
There are many possible causes of knee pain. SportsInjuryClinic.net states that the location of your knee pain is often associated with a particular type of injury. For example, knee pain that occurs at the front of your knee may be caused by prepatellar bursitis, jumper's knee or Osgood Schlatters disease. Some knee pain originates within your knee joint, although knee pain can also be caused by damage to soft tissue structures that surround your knee.
Herbal Treatments
Some herbal treatments for knee pain may be taken orally, while other herbs are applied topically in the form of a paste or cream. The cause of your knee pain largely dictates the type of herbs used. If you have knee osteoarthritis, for example, you may benefit from using boswellia, ginger, turmeric and white willow bark. Bromelain is believed to be an effective herbal remedy for soft tissue inflammation and pain relief. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic doctor and herbalist Sharol Tilgner notes that arnica, calendula and rue are particularly helpful for musculoskeletal injuries.
A Popular Herbal Treatment
One of the most popular herbal treatments for knee pain is turmeric. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a naturopathic physician and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," turmeric contains a substance called curcumin, which possesses anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving actions. Balch recommends a dose of 600 mg each day, although you should always talk with your doctor about appropriate dosage before using turmeric for your knee pain. Turmeric is also used as a seasoning and is the principal ingredient in curry powder.
Additional Information
Although not all knee pain is serious, certain knee injuries or medical conditions that cause knee pain can lead to joint degeneration and disability if they are not addressed in a timely and effective manner. Some of the leading risk factors for knee injury include excess weight, reduced muscle strength and participation in certain sports. A qualified health care professional can assess your knee pain and make helpful recommendations about lifestyle changes and treatment methods that may reduce your knee pain and allow you to perform your daily activities in a pain-free state.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Knee Pain
- SportsInjuryClinic.net: Knee Pain
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
