Is Walking Stick Good for Knee Pain?
In most cases, the answer is yes. With a walking stick, you will take some of the load off your sore knee, and research will confirm it. There is no shame in using a walking stick; it means that you are smart, and you are taking care of your knee, thus stopping wincing every time you see stairs.
Does It Work?
The article on a randomized trial conducted by Jones and colleagues in 2012 showed that cane users experienced less pain and improved functionality. The 2019 ACR/Arthritis Foundation guideline (Kolasinski et al.) also recommends using canes in cases of knee osteoarthritis.
Therefore, a walking stick for knee pain is not an accessory for an old person, but a proper walking aid for arthritis. It functions best in the hand opposite to the painful knee. Yes, it feels strange, but your knee will thank you for this.
Quick Tips for Setting Up Your Computer:
- The height of the wristband should correspond with the creases on your wrist.
- Step with the affected leg and the stick together.
- Grab some rubber tips to avoid slipping on smooth surfaces.
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Stick vs. Stubbornness
Factor | Walking Stick | Stubbornness
Knee load | Lighter | Heavy
Confidence | High | Sitting near the armchair
Ego | Slightly injured | Intact (for now)
Knee Pain Natural Treatment: The Helpful Extras
The stick is quite helpful, but it doesn't solve the problem completely. Here's the natural knee pain treatment routine:
Home Remedies
- Warm compress for stiffness; cold pack after a long day.
- Warm turmeric milk (cosy habit, not a miracle).
- To take rest, but not so much, that the knee will forget to move.
Yoga and Exercises
- Gentle strengthening of quadriceps and straight leg raises.
- Tai chi. According to the trial of Wang et al. in Arthritis Research & Therapy in 2016, tai chi proved to be as effective for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis as physical therapy.
- Simple yoga poses like mountain pose and supported bridge pose (do not include squats, since you should avoid deep squats).
Diet Plan
- More leafy greens, nuts, fish, and seeds.
- Less fried food and sugary meals.
- Weight management: the IDEA trial (Messier et al., 2004) proved the efficiency of the weight loss program combined with exercises in improving pain in patients with knee OA. Losing one pound takes about four pounds of pressure off your knees.
Ayurveda and Medicines
Some of the best Ayurvedic herbs for knee pain are turmeric, boswellia, ashwagandha, and guggul. Daily et al. performed a meta-analysis in 2016 and suggested that turmeric extracts may reduce the pain from arthritis. Sengupta et al. studied the efficacy of boswellia in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in 2008, and the research revealed promising results.
In conclusion, there is no best solution for knee pain treatment. It's up to doctors to decide which medications will help. Your healthcare provider might recommend paracetamol, topical NSAIDs or physiotherapy to ease your symptoms. Do not try to find cures in your neighbor's cabinet.
A Word About Dr. Puneet Dhawan
Dr. Puneet Dhawan is an Ayurvedic physician associated with Karma Ayurveda Hospital that provides Ayurvedic consultations. It makes sense to consult with a qualified person to get individual treatment advice instead of taking advice from random internet information.
Conclusion
Although, canes will not heal your knees over the night, together with exercises, diet, and appropriate medical advice it will make your everyday life much more comfortable. Besides, your knees have carried you throughout all your life, so they deserve some help.
Key Takeaways
- A cane can reduce knee pain and improve walking.
- Place it on top of it.
- Pair it with proper diet, weight control and doing exercises.
- Some herbs can help you feel better but check this possibility with your doctor.
- Pain which becomes more severe needs to be checked up properly.
FAQs
Is a walking stick good for knee pain?
Yes, it shares the load and gives your knee rest.
In which hand should I hold it?
The opposite one. It may sound strange but that's the way it is.
Can a stick cure arthritis completely?
No, it is a helper, not a magician.
Is it safe to take Ayurvedic herbs for all people?
Not always, so you have to talk to a doctor before using.
When should I consult a doctor?
If the pain, swelling or limping will not go away, then go to get the attention from the vet.
Disclaimer
This blog is for general information only and isn’t medical advice. Knee pain can have many causes, and treatment differs from person to person. Please consult a qualified doctor before using any walking aid, herb, medicine, or exercise routine, especially if you have existing health conditions.
