Daily,people use their knees in different types of physical activities such as walking, climbing, running or even crawling. Knees are important joints of the body hinged by ligaments that support our mobility. However, there is also this probability that people overstrain their knees especially when they pursue sports such as running, sprinting , basketball and other racket sports. As years pass by and people grow older, the synovium fluid produced by the knee decreases leading to knee pain and swelling. In some cases, sports related injuries related to the anterior cruciate ligament can result to knee pain and swelling too. Actually, there are many possible causes of knee pain and swelling so it would really be better to consult a doctor in the first place. Nevertheless, here's a brief overview of some approach to knee pain and swelling that can help you prepare yourself beforehand. The following guideline is taken from the University of Michigan Health System .

Various tests done to diagnose knee pain and swelling. Typically, physicians require a complete medical history of the patient as well as complete physical check-up. Then, the succeeding laboratory tests are advised:
* Blood studies (e.g., complete blood count, sedimentation rate, fungal, tuberculosis, or bacterial cultures) * Synovial fluid analysis (e.g., cell count, crystals, fungal, tuberculosis, or bacterial cultures)
* X-ray
* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
* Vascular studies


Pain management and Relief

Normally, topical treatments such as Ice or Capsaicin have been used for knee pain and swelling. For some time, Capsaicin ( the compound that makes peppers very hot ) is being used to relieve several ailments such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. The substance inhibits the release of a neurotransmitter responsible for causing swelling and pain. Topical treatments are often supplemented by oral medicines such as :

* Acetaminophen * Salicylates * Typical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs ) * Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors * Combination preparations (for example diclofenac sodium & misoprostol) * Alternative medicine such as glucosamine and chondroitin

knee pain and swelling can also be prevented by strengthening leg muscle groups such as hamstrings and quadriceps. In some instances, limitation of activity is recommended by doctors to fully heal knee pain and swelling. As suggested earlier, only a medical specialist can correctly diagnose knee pain and swelling so you can receive effective treatment.

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