Shirdi Sai Hospital

Tag: tablets for knee inflammation

  • Medicines Used for Knee Joint Inflammation Explained

    Medicines Used for Knee Joint Inflammation Explained

    Knee joint inflammation is one of the most common reasons people experience pain, stiffness, and swelling around the knee. Many patients start medicines hoping the inflammation will settle permanently. Some do feel better for a while. Others notice the pain and swelling keep returning once the tablets stop.

    This confusion is common. Medicines can control knee joint inflammation, but they do not work the same way for everyone. The result depends on why the joint is inflamed in the first place.

    This blog explains which medicines are commonly used for knee joint inflammation, how they help, and when tablets alone are not enough.

    What is knee joint inflammation?

    Knee joint inflammation occurs when the tissues inside or around the joint become irritated. This may involve:

    • The joint lining (synovium)
    • Cartilage
    • Surrounding ligaments or tendons

    Inflammation leads to pain, swelling, warmth, and stiffness, especially after rest or activity. It can develop suddenly or progress slowly over time.

    Common causes of knee joint inflammation

    Understanding the cause is important because treatment depends on it.

    Common reasons include:

    • Early osteoarthritis
    • Overuse or repetitive strain
    • Old ligament or meniscus injuries
    • Muscle imbalance around the knee
    • Inflammatory conditions
    • Excess body weight increasing joint load

    Inflammation is often blamed on age, but in many patients, movement habits and joint stress play a major role.

    Medicines commonly used for knee joint inflammation

    Doctors prescribe medicines based on symptoms, severity, and medical history. Common categories include:

    Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs)

    Medicines such as diclofenac and aceclofenac reduce both pain and inflammation. They are commonly prescribed for short-term relief during flare-ups.

    They help control symptoms but do not repair cartilage or correct joint mechanics.

    Paracetamol

    Paracetamol helps reduce pain but has very little effect on inflammation. It is often used when inflammation is mild or when stronger medicines are not suitable.

    Topical anti-inflammatory gels

    Gels applied over the knee can reduce surface inflammation and discomfort. Their effect is usually temporary and works best as a supportive measure.

    Short-term supportive medicines

    In selected cases, doctors may prescribe additional medicines to protect the stomach or reduce swelling based on individual needs.

    These medicines are prescribed after evaluation and are not meant for long-term self-use.

    When medicines for inflammation work well

    Medicines usually help when:

    • Inflammation is mild to moderate
    • The cause is temporary or activity-related
    • Treatment is started early
    • Medicines are combined with rest and physiotherapy

    In such cases, swelling and pain gradually reduce, allowing the knee to recover.

    Why inflammation returns after stopping medicines

    This is a common concern.

    Inflammation may come back if:

    • The underlying joint problem is still present
    • Muscle weakness around the knee is not corrected
    • Body weight continues to stress the joint
    • Alignment issues are ignored
    • Medicines are used repeatedly without assessment

    Tablets calm inflammation, but they do not remove the cause.

    Risks of prolonged anti-inflammatory medicine use

    Using anti-inflammatory medicines for long periods without supervision can lead to:

    • Stomach irritation or ulcers
    • Kidney strain
    • Increase in blood pressure
    • Reduced benefit over time

    This is why knee joint inflammation should not be managed with tablets alone for months.

    Warning signs you should not ignore

    Consult an orthopaedic doctor if you notice:

    • Persistent swelling around the knee
    • Pain lasting more than two to three weeks
    • Stiffness that does not improve with movement
    • Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
    • Pain affecting daily activities

    These signs usually indicate the need for further evaluation.

    How doctors treat knee joint inflammation at Shirdi Sai Hospital

    Consultants at Shirdi Sai Hospital take a step-by-step approach:

    • Detailed knee examination
    • X-ray or MRI if required
    • Assessment of joint alignment and muscle strength
    • Physiotherapy guidance
    • Medicine planning based on cause, not symptoms alone

    The goal is to reduce inflammation safely and protect the joint in the long term.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do anti-inflammatory medicines cure knee inflammation?
    They control inflammation but do not cure the underlying joint problem.

    Is it safe to take anti-inflammatory tablets daily?
    Daily use without medical supervision is not advised.

    Can physiotherapy reduce knee inflammation?
    Yes. Strengthening and movement correction often reduce repeated inflammation.

    Are injections better than tablets?
    Injections are used in selected cases after proper evaluation.

    When should I see an orthopaedic doctor?
    If swelling or pain keeps returning despite medicines.

    When to consult a doctor

    If knee swelling or pain keeps returning after medicines, early evaluation can prevent joint damage and long-term discomfort.

    📞 Call Shirdi Sai Hospital, Bangalore
    OPD consultation starts from ₹500
    Consultants will guide you with the right treatment plan.

  • Painkillers for Knee Pain: When Relief Is Temporary

    Painkillers for Knee Pain: When Relief Is Temporary

    Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people reach for painkillers. After a long day at work, climbing stairs, or starting a new walking routine, the knee starts hurting. One tablet reduces the pain, and life goes on. A few days later, the pain returns. Another tablet follows.

    This cycle is extremely common in Bangalore. Painkillers do help, but they are not designed to fix what is causing knee pain. Understanding this early can prevent long-term joint problems.

    This blog explains which painkillers are commonly used for knee pain, when they are useful, and when relief from tablets is only temporary.

    Why knee pain has become so common today

    Knee pain is no longer limited to older adults. Doctors now see it in people as young as their thirties.

    Common reasons include:

    • Long hours of sitting at desks
    • Sudden increase in walking, jogging, or gym workouts
    • Weight gain putting extra load on the knee
    • Previous sports or accident-related injuries
    • Early wear and tear of joint cartilage

    Knee pain is often blamed on age, but in many cases, lifestyle and movement patterns play a bigger role.

    Common painkillers used for knee pain

    Painkillers are usually the first line of relief. Some commonly used medicines include:

    Paracetamol

    Paracetamol is often used for mild knee pain. It helps reduce pain but has very little effect on inflammation.

    NSAIDs for knee pain

    Medicines such as diclofenac and aceclofenac belong to a group called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They reduce both pain and inflammation and are commonly prescribed for knee problems.

    Combination painkillers

    Some tablets combine pain-relief and anti-inflammatory components. These may provide stronger short-term relief but do not address the underlying joint issue.

    Pain relief gels and sprays

    Topical gels can temporarily reduce discomfort, especially after activity. However, their effect is usually short-lived.

    These medicines reduce pain signals and inflammation, not joint damage or structural problems.

    When painkillers genuinely help

    Painkillers can be useful when:

    • Knee pain is due to a recent strain or overuse
    • There is mild inflammation
    • Pain occurs during an acute flare-up
    • They are used along with rest and physiotherapy

    In these situations, tablets provide comfort while the knee heals. Relief is expected to be temporary, not permanent.

    When painkillers stop working

    This is where many people get stuck.

    Painkillers may stop giving lasting relief when:

    • There is cartilage wear or early arthritis
    • Ligaments or meniscus are injured
    • Knee alignment is altered
    • Muscle weakness is not corrected
    • Pain is repeatedly masked without evaluation

    A common warning sign is when pain returns faster each time, even after taking tablets.

    Risks of long-term painkiller use

    Using painkillers occasionally is generally safe. Long-term or frequent use without medical supervision can lead to problems such as:

    • Stomach irritation or ulcers
    • Kidney strain
    • Increase in blood pressure
    • Reduced effectiveness of medicines over time

    This is why knee pain should not be managed with tablets alone for months.

    Warning signs you should not ignore

    Consult an orthopaedic doctor if you notice:

    • Knee pain lasting more than two to three weeks
    • Swelling or stiffness around the joint
    • Difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
    • Knee giving way while walking
    • Pain present even at rest or during the night

    These signs usually indicate that the knee needs evaluation beyond pain relief.

    How orthopaedic doctors evaluate knee pain

    At Shirdi Sai Hospital, knee pain is assessed step by step. Evaluation may include:

    • Detailed clinical examination
    • X-ray or MRI when required
    • Assessment of joint alignment
    • Muscle strength and movement analysis
    • Treatment planning beyond painkillers

    The focus is on protecting the joint and improving function, not just reducing pain for a few hours.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is it safe to take painkillers daily for knee pain?
    Daily use without medical advice is not recommended, especially for long periods.

    Why does knee pain return after taking tablets?
    Because painkillers do not correct cartilage damage, alignment issues, or muscle weakness.

    Can physiotherapy reduce the need for painkillers?
    Yes. Strengthening and movement correction often reduce pain significantly.

    Are injections better than tablets for knee pain?
    Injections are used in selected cases after proper evaluation. They are not the first step for everyone.

    When should I see an orthopaedic doctor?
    If pain keeps returning, worsens, or affects daily activities.

    When to consult a doctor

    If knee pain is limiting your movement or returning repeatedly despite painkillers, it is better to get the joint checked early.

    📞 Call Shirdi Sai Hospital, Bangalore
    OPD consultation starts from ₹500
    Consultants will guide you with the right evaluation and treatment plan.