STATEMENT: Pablo de la Serna reviews symptoms, causes and treatments for knee pain

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Knee pain can have very diverse causes and present a wide variety of symptoms. According to physiotherapist Pablo de la Serna, "the knee is a complex joint that supports the weight of the body, performs repetitive movements and its pain can affect people of any age." Therefore, "it is important to know the causes and the treatments to apply in each case"

Barcelona, ​​March 14, 2024.- 83% of Spaniards suffer from muscle pain, of which 33% is knee pain [1]. The most common symptoms, according to Pablo de la Serna, a physiotherapist expert in heat therapy and collaborator of Angelini Pharma, are "pain, inflammation, stiffness, clicking or cracking when moving the knee, weakness and limitation of movement. All of these symptoms can go accompanied by knee pain and hide a problem in this joint.

The causes of knee pain

Knee pain "is pain that occurs in the knee joint or in nearby musculoskeletal structures," explains the expert. The causes of this pain can be multiple. On the one hand, traumatic injuries due to a blow, a sudden turn or a posture that forces the knee, "from sprains and strains to fractures in bones close to the joint." Another of the most common causes is "overload or excessive use of the joint due to repetitive activities that wear it out."

Muscle and ligament problems "are mainly associated with the practice of sports and activities that involve sudden changes in direction." Likewise, "inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, or degenerative diseases can cause chronic knee pain." Problems "in the kneecap or meniscus", or "biomechanical problems with the alignment of the legs and feet" are some of the many other causes of pain in this complex joint, explains Pablo de la Serna. "Some of these conditions are punctual and others can cause chronic pain," adds the expert.

"If persistent pain is experienced in the knee, it is necessary to seek medical attention in order to discover the specific cause and obtain an accurate diagnosis, as well as an appropriate treatment plan," warns de la Serna. "It must be taken into account that there are specific treatments for the various causes and that these must be adapted to the needs of each patient," she explains. Furthermore, "pain in the acute phase and/or with inflammation is not treated the same as in the subacute phase," she concludes.

How to treat knee pain in the acute phase

The treatment of knee pain in the acute phase may vary depending on the specific cause of the pain and it is best to consult a doctor. Even so, De la Serna proposes some general recommendations that can help alleviate symptoms:

• Rest, application of cold, compression and elevation of the knee. "In the acute phase of pain, it is important to rest for the first few hours/days so that the swelling or inflammation goes down." The physiotherapist points out that "it also helps to apply cold for 15 or 20 minutes every 2 or 3 hours during the first 48 hours and the use of an elastic or compression bandage to support the knee, which is better to keep elevated."

• Anti-inflammatories and temporary immobilization. "Medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, but they should always be taken as directed by a health professional, either a family doctor or a reference pharmacist, who is aware of other conditions that may occur. have the patient." Depending on the cause of the pain, "the doctor will decide if it is necessary to use a splint, cast or support to temporarily immobilize the knee and allow it to heal," says the expert.

And in the subacute phase?

Starting 48 hours after suffering an injury or in phases of subacute pain, and once the swelling or inflammation has subsided, "the focus of treatment focuses on continuing recovery and restoring normal function of the joint," explains the Angelini Pharma collaborator. Some of the strategies that may be beneficial in this phase, according to the physical therapist:

• Continued physical therapy, range of motion exercises and muscle strengthening. "Through manual therapy techniques, the physical therapist can improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension." Likewise, "this professional can develop a program of specific exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility and restoring normal function to the joint."

• Heat therapy for the control and relief of subacute or chronic pain and to speed recovery. The application of heat can be beneficial for knee pain caused by overexertion, sprains and strains, arthritis, and muscle strain. "Therapeutic thermal patches are a great solution for effective, specific and prolonged relief of knee pain - whether acute, chronic or occasional - while relaxing the muscles and reducing stiffness," says Pablo de la Serna. . "In addition, they adapt perfectly to the knee to allow flexibility and mobility." For all these reasons, heat patch therapy is an important complement to outpatient rehabilitation therapy, as it reduces pain and speeds up recovery.

Angelini Pharma

Angelini Pharma Spain is a centenary pharmaceutical company with more than 40 years of establishment in Spain and a young and dynamic mentality. "We are driven by passion for our patients, and that is why we are committed to constantly evolving and innovating to improve their quality of life. We grow together with our partners, basing our collaboration on what defines us: integrity, courage and passion."

More information about Angelini Pharma Spain can be found at www.angelinipharma.es.

[1] MAKING ThermaCare A NEW SUCCESFUL STORY-Qual Report. Market study carried out by IPSOS, in May 2020. 1,000 respondents from 14 countries.

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