A reflex is the body’s involuntary movement to protect your body. For example, if you grab a hot pan off the stove, your reflex is to move your hand immediately once you feel the heat. If you have a knee jerk reflex after exercise, its possible you have a nerve problem. Most commonly, it’s sciatica. Treating the underlying cause for knee jerking after exercise will help reduce this problem.
Hot and Cold Relief
If you have knee jerk reflexes accompanied by pain, after exercise, use a cold pack initially. This helps reduce inflammation, according to MayoClinic.com. When using a cold pack, always put a cloth between the cold pack and your skin. Otherwise, you might get frostbite on the skin. After a couple days, alternate hot and cold packs. Applying heat to the affected area will help reduce pain and relieve discomfort. Your doctor might also recommend taking an over-the-counter medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce pain and discomfort from this condition. However, always talk with your doctor before taking any medication.
Physical Therapy
Reduce knee jerking and pain with physical therapy. A therapist uses special exercises to improve your posture and strengthen muscles. This helps reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, deceasing knee jerking after exercise. Your doctor will show you exercises to complete at home to improve mobility and decrease symptoms of this condition.
Acupuncture and Chiropractic Treatment
Talk with your doctor about using alternative therapies to reduce knee jerking caused by sciatica. Acupuncture is used for this condition. An acupuncturist inserts needles into your skin at designed points in the body to reduce knee jerking and pain. Spinal adjustment, which is performed by chiropractor, is another option. Improving your spine movement with adjustments takes pressure off the nerve that causes knee jerking and sciatic pain. Massage is another option that might reduce pain association with this condition.
Exercise
With your doctor’s approval, you should still exercise with knee jerking and sciatica. However, select exercises that won’t aggravate this condition. During exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain killers. This helps reduce sciatic pain. Water exercise such as swimming laps or an aqua aerobics class are good choices, recommends MayoClinic.com. Using a stationary back is another type of activity that helps you stay fit, without aggravating sciatica. Work with your doctor to design a workout plan that helps you reduce knee jerk reflexes and pain.
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