Understanding Knee Joint Pain - The Causes and the Cures

Have you ever wondered what the most common complaint is that brings patients into a doctor's office? The answer is knee joint pain. The knee is an amazingly complex joint in the body. Just as the nursery school song tells us, we are all made of hinges! The knee just so happens to be the one prompting us to spend some time with our doctor.

Why would the knee be such a trouble maker? The basic anatomy of the knee is fairly complex. This is no simple ball-and-socket structure! The knee involves several bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage. Knees are made to do more than just bend and straighten; they also rotate and twist, creating more ways for them to become injured. There are four bones, four main ligaments, two main tendons, cartilage, and bursae (fluid-filled sacs) all involved in the knee joint.

Activities that are popular among the busy people of our society, like running, jogging, basketball, tennis and even golf, are hard on the knee joint. For the most part, knee pain begins with an injury, which leads to joint inflammation. All that repetitive activity puts stress on the knee joint and increases the chances of knee joint injury and inflammation.

There are many ways to treat an inflamed knee before calling for a doctor's appointment. One of the most basic and common principals to follow is the PRICE system: P represents Protecting the knee from any further injury; R is for Rest; IC is for Ice; and finally E for Elevate. Items such as ibuprofen and naproxen have anti- inflammatory aspects and help relieve joint pain as well. Acetaminophen is also helpful for pain; however, it does not assist with inflammation.

Supplements are also becoming a more and more viable option for fighting knee joint pain. With all the parts involved in a knee and all the activity it is asked to perform, it should come as no surprise that many people find themselves searching for relief from knee joint pain. Researchers have been working overtime to find new ways to help people experiencing joint pains. The fact that our population, in general, is aging and still very active is helping to spur the need for new options.

For years, glucosamine supplements have been used with varying levels of success. Lately, newer joint pain supplements, like Celadrin and Celecaine, use Cetylated Fatty Acid (CFA). There have been several studies showing the benefits of this emerging option for knee joint pain relief. The science behind this supplement has been around for years. The Journal of Rheumatology featured an article on CFA's and their effect on osteoarthritis in 2002. The study found that the range of motion and the functionality of the knee were improved with the use of CFA's.

Of course, most people would like to avoid that trip to the doctor. By choosing to take a supplement made for joint health, and using the PRICE method, you may be able to find relief from knee joint pain at home. It is always a good idea, however, to ensure that any supplement will not interfere with any current medications or other supplements you are taking.