Treatment for stiff knee pain usually involves rest, physical therapy and medications such as anti-inflammatory and pain relievers. Recovery time will depend on the severity of the condition, but in general, it may take several weeks to months for the symptoms to fully subside.
Those with a long-term stiff knee may need about 2 months to feel better. Shelbourne Knee Center discharges patients from the Knee Rehabilitation Program for OA after 2–4 months. But patients need to continue the daily exercises and strengthening at least 3 times a week.
The most common culprit of stiff knee pain is osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis. Other potential causes include trauma to the knee joint, knee bursitis, gout, or knee tendonitis. The cause of pain directly impacts the physician-recommended course of treatment.
Usually stiffness in the knee is easily treated and not a sign of serious injury. However, knee stiffness symptoms can be associated with trauma and severe damage.
The answer: a resounding yes! In fact, people with knee osteoarthritis who walk for exercise are significantly less likely to go on to develop worse pain, according to a 2022 study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology. Here are a few reasons why: Walking strengthens leg muscles.
What the study found. In a study published in the Arthritis and Rheumatology Journal, experts concluded that walking could help people with knee osteoarthritis. It confirmed what many experts believe: Walking for exercise can help reduce pain and disability related to arthritis.
Muscle tightness — You can experience muscle tightness around your knee due to overuse. This is common among athletes, runners, and workers who stand on their feet for long periods of time. Muscle tightness around your knee can also occur while exercising while using improper form.
Massaging the knee can be very beneficial if you are experiencing stiffness, pain, or swelling in your knees. Whatever the cause of your knee injury may be, massaging the knee can provide relaxation and take pressure off any nerves that may be causing you pain.
Many people will experience joint stiffness as they age. Most often this stiffness will wear off after a person gets up and moves around. Other people, however, may experience joint stiffness as a result of an underlying condition.
Excess fluid builds up inside the knee as a result of an accident, overuse, or a medical issue. Stiffness and pain can result as a result of this. Unless you've had a serious injury, you may not notice swelling because it can be subtle. While you may not visibly see a swollen knee, you may feel it as stiffness.
Causes of Knee Stiffness. Most people experience stiff knees after sitting for a long period of time. It's usually the result of inflammation and fluid build-up in the knee joint, which causes swelling and decreases your ability to freely move the joint.
Moderate walking is recommended for people with knee pain because it's a low-impact activity. If your joints are painful and stiff, start slowly and work up to 20 minutes of walking per day, recommends Stuchin.
Your joints' lubricating fluid allows your joints to move with more ease and less stress. To activate those juices, start your exercise routine with a gentle 5-10-minute warm-up and gradually increase your effort. Another good way to self-lube is drinking more water. Stretch regularly.
High-impact exercises can further injure painful knees. Avoid jarring exercises such as running, jumping, and kickboxing. Also avoid doing exercises such as lunges and deep squats that put a lot of stress on your knees. These can worsen pain and, if not done correctly, cause injury.
Make squats a regular part of your workout routine and in a few weeks, you should notice a marked improvement in knee mobility and strength. Of note, its best to check with your doctor before starting a new workout routine, especially if you are experiencing bone and joint pain.
The lesser impact at the knee joint means a lower chance of knee injury, so this is why most research suggests that cycling and swimming are the best exercises for patients with knee problems. Therefore, cycling is a very great exercise for patients with knee osteoarthritis condition.
Tightness in the knee can occur as a result of injury to the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage inside the knee. In some cases, it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Anyone who experiences tightness in one or both knees should see a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The inflammation causes pain, stiffness and swelling of the synovial membrane, which can also wear away your cartilage.
Overuse and strain are the most common reasons bursae become inflamed. Once this inflammation occurs, sitting for long periods of time can cause the knee to feel stiff. Rest is the most commonly recommended treatment for bursitis, but physical therapy can also be helpful for this issue.
Muscle stiffness will usually go away on its own in a few days. In chronic or recurrent cases, making simple lifestyle changes may help treat and prevent muscle stiffness. If muscle stiffness is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, the outlook will vary depending on the cause.
Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be managed, although the damage to joints can't be reversed. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and receiving certain treatments might slow progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function.